Valentín, 32, had lived in the United States for over 20 years. He had a final order of removal since 2020 following a conviction for drug possession, for which he served a three-year prison sentence. He was not deported to Cuba at the time because Cuba did not accept deportees. He was released under supervision and required to regularly check in with ICE. On June 3, 2025, he was detained during a routine check-in in Florida. On July 31, 2025, he was placed on a flight to Cuba with over 130 individuals. Upon arrival, Cuban authorities refused to admit him and 15 others. He was returned to the United States and remained in detention until deported to Mexico on October 17, 2025.