Joe Exotic's Husband Deported to Mexico Following Prison Release

Jorge Flores Maldonado, husband of “Tiger King” star Joe Exotic, was deported to Mexico shortly after his release from a Texas prison. Maldonado, a 33-year-old Mexican national, had been serving time for immigration-related offenses, including illegal reentry into the U.S. and transporting undocumented immigrants. Upon completing his sentence, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) promptly transferred him to a detention center, leading to his deportation .

A Love Story Behind Bars

The couple’s relationship began while both were incarcerated at the Federal Medical Center in Fort Worth, Texas. They got engaged in October 2024 and married in April 2025, symbolizing their union with tattooed wedding rings. Exotic, whose real name is Joseph Maldonado-Passage, expressed deep affection for Maldonado, stating, “Never been more proud of someone. Meet my husband, Jorge Flores Maldonado” .

Pleas for Intervention

In response to his husband’s deportation, Exotic has made public appeals for assistance. He reached out to former President Donald Trump and White House advisor Stephen Miller, requesting clemency and asserting that he has “suffered enough,” citing the loss of his life’s work, parents, and now his husband . Exotic also expressed willingness to relocate to Mexico upon his own release to be with Maldonado .

Exotic’s Ongoing Legal Battle

Joe Exotic is currently serving a 21-year sentence for a murder-for-hire plot targeting animal rights activist Carole Baskin and for federal wildlife violations. He continues to maintain his innocence and has been actively campaigning for a pardon or sentence reduction, citing alleged perjury in his trial and personal hardships endured during incarceration

Looking Ahead

Despite these challenges, Exotic remains in the public eye. He is participating in a new documentary, “The Exotic Truth,” aiming to share his perspective on his life, legal battles, and ongoing efforts to reunite with his husband. The series is expected to be released in 2025

Written By Fortune Davidson