Joseph Maldonado-Passage, better known as Joe Exotic of “Tiger King” fame, has made a public appeal to President Donald Trump and Mexican authorities from his prison cell. His appeal concerns the potential deportation of his husband, Jorge Marquez, and his own possible transfer to a Mexican prison.
During a phone interview from the Federal Medical Center in Fort Worth, Texas, Maldonado-Passage disclosed that his husband, Marquez, is facing deportation by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
According to Maldonado-Passage, Marquez, who is of Mexican nationality, was arrested and charged with trafficking due to his undocumented immigration status. Despite Marquez having no drug or firearm-related charges, he is still facing deportation.
Maldonado-Passage, a 62-year-old former zoo owner, is currently serving a 21-year sentence for attempting to hire an assassin to kill animal rights activist Carole Baskin and for other wildlife-related offenses. He expressed concern over the prospect of being separated from Marquez, who he credits as his main source of support during his ongoing health issues.
Maldonado-Passage asserts that the original deportation date for Marquez was set for March 3, but due to legal paperwork complications, it was delayed until May. He interpreted the rescheduling as a personal affront, as it falls just two days before his birthday.
In a bid to be closer to his husband post-deportation, Maldonado-Passage has written to Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, requesting an international prison transfer. He also requested Sheinbaum to intervene with President Trump, proposing to commute his sentence to time served and allow him to relocate to Mexico.
In the interview, Maldonado-Passage also claimed to be willing to offer a financial contribution to President Trump if he had the means, in reference to a supposed White House plan to introduce “gold cards” for wealthy immigrants.
The potential separation from his husband has had a significant impact on Maldonado-Passage’s mental health. He admitted to wishing for an end to his suffering. Marquez, who married Maldonado-Passage while they were both incarcerated, has offered him support throughout his health struggles, including cancer and other serious conditions.
Maldonado-Passage explained the importance of Marquez in his life, expressing his commitment to his husband and the difficulty he anticipates in his absence.
Maldonado-Passage has consistently maintained his innocence throughout his incarceration. He stated his belief that his incarceration was politically motivated, intended to facilitate the passing of the Big Cat Safety Act. He also expressed his concerns about his declining health in prison, including complications from an autoimmune deficiency disorder.
In addition to his health issues, Maldonado-Passage has claimed that he contracted scabies due to unsanitary conditions in the prison, including rat infestations. He expressed fear that presenting evidence of the conditions could lead to his isolation.
Despite the numerous challenges, Maldonado-Passage is working on a documentary series titled “The Exotic Truth,” which will be directed by Emmy-winning documentarian Serena DC. The series is expected to present Maldonado-Passage’s perspective on the events depicted in the Netflix series “Tiger King.”
Maldonado-Passage expressed the necessity of telling his story, and Serena DC shares his enthusiasm for the project, stating it will be an opportunity to hear his unfiltered account directly from him. The documentary is set to be released in 2025.
Currently, Maldonado-Passage remains in federal custody. While his sentence was reduced by a year in January 2022, bringing it down to 21 years, he continues to hope for a successful appeal or a presidential pardon that would allow him to reunite with Marquez.