A Brevard County man is back home after being detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for nine months. Jose Allende was reunited with his daughter, Sheena, over the weekend.
Background
Jose Allende came to the United States legally from Cuba through the Freedom Flights and has a Social Security number and a U.S. driver’s license. However, due to a criminal history from decades ago and his lack of U.S. citizenship, he was subject to a deportation order.
He was picked up during ICE raids in Brevard County in September 2025. His daughter, Sheena, expressed her relief and happiness at being reunited with her father, stating, ‘It felt like a boulder was lifted off of my chest. I haven’t slept correctly. I haven’t eaten correctly in nine months. It felt like finally I no longer have to grieve that he’s gone.’
Jose Allende has applied for his green card and is working with his attorney to complete the citizenship process.
Original reporting: WESH Orlando — read the source article.
