A Miami man who once voted for former President Donald Trump says his political views have shifted after his lifelong partner was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement during an enforcement action.
Wayne DeMario says his lifelong partner Yamile Alcantu, who had lived in the United States for more than two decades, was taken into custody during what supporters describe as a routine check-in with immigration authorities. The arrest shocked the family and quickly gained attention online after he began speaking publicly about the incident.
In interviews with Local 10 News, DeMario said he once supported stricter immigration enforcement, believing it would focus on serious criminals. However, after Alcantu’s detention, he described the experience as deeply emotional and said he now questions some of his previous political beliefs.
Alcantu moved to the U.S. from Cuba 25 years ago through a Visa Lottery, a State Department program. They didn’t think her immigration status would be a problem, and he voted for Trump.
Supporters of the couple have started raising money for legal fees while they work through her immigration case. The situation has sparked conversations about how immigration enforcement policies affect families and long-time U.S. residents.
Authorities have not released additional details about the case as the legal process continues.
