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‘A boulder was lifted’: Daughter reunites with father after ICE detention
A Florida man is back home after being detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement last year.
Over the weekend, Jose Allende was reunited with his daughter.
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He was arrested by ICE in September 2025. His daughter told WESH 2 he came to the country legally from Cuba through the Freedom Flights. He has a Social Security number and a U.S. driver’s license. However, a criminal history from decades ago and his lack of U.S. citizenship led to a deportation order.
He was picked up during ICE raids in Brevard County last year.
His daughter, Sheena, said she’s just happy he’s home.
“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,” Sheena Allende-Smith said. “He’s here. Like, I get to see him. He didn’t look well, but he was happy and that’s all that mattered to me.”
She said her father has applied for his green card and is working with his attorney to complete the citizenship process.
