HUMSI — Human Security Initiative

Human Impact Project

A living database documenting reported immigration enforcement incidents and their human impact.

Cuban detainee transferred across four states after hunger strike, then deported

May 11, 2026·Location: Estancia, NM

Country of origin: Cuba

Cuban detainee transferred across four states after hunger strike, then deported
Photo via tricityrecordnm.com

Rogelio Bolufé, a 44-year-old Cuban immigrant, initiated a 10-day hunger strike while detained at Torrance County Detention Facility in New Mexico to protest poor conditions and alleged confiscation of legal documents by CoreCivic staff. Within 48 hours of being taken to the Albuquerque ICE field office, he was transferred to multiple detention facilities across Texas, Alabama, Arizona, and Washington, including facilities in Arizona known for harsh conditions. Bolufé alleged the transfers constituted retaliation for his advocacy and complaints, and claimed he was denied medical care during the process, including being forced to sleep on cold floors in overcrowded conditions. He was appealing a deportation order and seeking a Green Card under the Cuban Adjustment Act, but was ultimately deported by ICE to Ecuador in May 2026.

Timeline

May 3, 2026—Bolufé taken to Albuquerque ICE field office, then transferred across multiple detention facilities in Texas, Alabama, Arizona, and Washington within 48 hours
May 1, 2026—Rogelio Bolufé initiates 10-day hunger strike at Torrance County Detention Facility in New Mexico to protest poor conditions and alleged confiscation of legal documents
May 1, 2026—Bolufé deported by ICE after detention in multiple facilities across the United States
Suggest a correction, comment, or update

Sources

More incidents in New Mexico