Introduction to the Incident
Throughout Vilma Perez Delgado’s home, there are pictures of her and her husband, Eduardo Nuñez Gonzalez, scattered about. The last time she saw her husband of five years was on Thursday, March 20. “Can I say goodbye to him? They said no, he’s already been detained," she recalled asking the men who knocked on her front door and detained him.
The Detention
Video shows the moment that morning when Eduardo was taking out the trash. A man can be seen slowly walking, and then runs to approach him. Other men also appear in the video, detaining him just steps from his front door.
The video was taken on a security camera outside Vilma’s North Miami home. And this all happened while Vilma was inside.
The Search for Answers
The men who detained her partner of more than 30 years couldn’t give her a reason as to why, so she called an attorney to help her. That attorney is still looking for answers as to why her husband was taken. Both Eduardo and Vilma are Cuban nationals with Spanish citizenship. Vilma is an American citizen, but Eduardo is not. According to Vilma, he has spent more than seven years renewing work permits, trying to gain his own citizenship. But lost paperwork and delays have dragged out the process.
Current Situation
Eduardo has spent the last five days in Krome Detention Center. According to Vilma, he has been without food, water, or a bed. According to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement website, he was moved to the Broward Transitional Center. “There are people who are sick. He told me,” Vilma said, crying. "And he has not committed a single crime, not here or over there," she said. "The only thing he’s done is done what we’ve all done, he accelerated a little bit in his car and got a ticket. And he paid it. That’s all he has.”
Investigation and Reactions
NBC6 looked into Eduardo’s history and confirmed that traffic citations are all that he has. An immigration and civil rights attorney told NBC6 that people of all backgrounds are being detained and family members need to be informed. “I wish desperately that we had more avenues of redress for these folks, but what they need to do on the base level is to understand their rights," Katie Blankenship said. "Unless ICE comes with you with a judicial warrant, you do not have to open the door, you do not have to answer questions. And they should make safety precautions within their families.”
Support and Next Steps
Vilma hopes she will get answers as to why he was taken, and for now, is just waiting for him to come back home. “They had him against the garbage can, without reading his rights, without asking for paperwork,” she said in Spanish. “I’m his wife, they should give me an explanation.” Vilma and her family members have put together a petition in support of her husband. It has so far gained more than 500 signatures.
Conclusion
The situation of Eduardo Nuñez Gonzalez highlights the complexities and challenges faced by individuals and families dealing with immigration issues in the United States. The lack of clear communication and transparency from the authorities has added to the distress of Vilma and her family. As they seek answers and work towards Eduardo’s release, their story underscores the need for understanding, support, and legal recourse for those navigating the immigration system.
FAQs
- Q: Why was Eduardo Nuñez Gonzalez detained?
A: The reason for Eduardo’s detention has not been clearly communicated to his wife or his attorney. - Q: What is Eduardo’s immigration status?
A: Eduardo is a Cuban national with Spanish citizenship, but he is not a U.S. citizen. He has been in the process of renewing his work permits and seeking citizenship for over seven years. - Q: Where is Eduardo being held?
A: Initially, Eduardo was held at the Krome Detention Center, but according to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement website, he was moved to the Broward Transitional Center. - Q: What support is Eduardo’s family seeking?
A: Eduardo’s family is seeking answers regarding his detention and is working towards his release. They have started a petition that has gained over 500 signatures. - Q: What advice do legal experts give to families in similar situations?
A: Legal experts advise families to understand their rights, including the right not to open the door or answer questions without a judicial warrant, and to make safety precautions within their families.
