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Laura de la Caridad González Sánchez, a 26-year-old Cuban who is subject to an I-220A, was arrested this Monday when she attended her immigration check-in appointment at the Miramar office in Broward County, Florida.
The mother of the young woman, Celia Sánchez, expressed her distress in statements to Univision, assuring that the situation has left her completely devastated.
"I am broken, I am devastated, she is my only daughter", said Celia Sánchez, visibly affected by the arrest of Laura.
An arrest without a clear explanation
Laura, who arrived in the United States in September 2022, attended her check-in appointment unaware that she would be detained.
His mother recounted that at the immigration office, they did not provide a clear justification for his arrest.
"There is no explanation; she was told there was a group that had been chosen at random.", stated Celia Sánchez.
The young woman's lawyer, Eduardo Soto, confirmed that Laura has no criminal record and specified that in addition to her, another group of Cubans was detained during their check-in with ICE this Monday.
"Instead of letting her go home, they detained her. They simply told her that there was a new measure, the details of which are still unknown. Approximately 18 Cubans were detained yesterday [Monday] under the same circumstances," explained Soto.
Laura's immigration status
After entering the country at the border, Laura received form I-220A and subsequently applied for asylum.
His first hearing is scheduled for December 25 of this year.
According to the lawyer, this should ensure him the possibility of remaining free until his case is evaluated.
"She has the right to be on the street because she was released," argued the lawyer, referring to the fact that the standard procedure should allow Laura to continue her process on probation.
Possible changes in immigration policy
However, Soto suggested that Laura's detention could be linked to the new immigration measures implemented by the administration of President Donald Trump, who has promised to toughen the "catch and release" policy.
"The president Trump said that 'catch and release' is going to end, and that he would focus on those who arrived in the last two or three years to review whether they should remain free. And obviously, these are the measures being taken," explained Soto.
According to the lawyer, this policy could affect an estimated number of one million people who have arrived in the United States under similar conditions since 2022, which would represent a drastic change in the way immigrant cases are processed in the country.
Celia Sánchez cannot comprehend what is happening with her daughter and feels betrayed by the promises of justice and freedom in the United States.
"I don't think it's fair, I am truly hurt, because I came to the land of freedom, to the land where there are laws, and what was promised is not what is being done," concluded the distressed mother.
This Wednesday, a group of Cubans gathered in front of attorney Eduardo Soto's office to show their support for Laura de la Caridad González Sánchez.
The young woman’s mother, present at the demonstration, reiterated that her daughter has no criminal record, is studying nursing, and works, and that what happened is inconceivable.
A young woman present at the demonstration claimed to have witnessed on Monday the moment when not only Laura, but also other Cubans, were detained.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Detention of Cubans with I-220A and Immigration Policies in the U.S.
Why was Laura de la Caridad González Sánchez detained at her immigration appointment?
Laura de la Caridad González Sánchez was arrested during her immigration check-in at the Miramar office, without being provided with a clear justification. Her lawyer indicated that this might be due to new immigration policies aimed at reviewing the status of those who recently entered the U.S.
What is form I-220A and how does it affect Cubans in the U.S.?
The I-220A is a supervised release permit that allows Cubans to remain in the U.S. while their immigration status is determined. It is not recognized as an official admission document, leaving beneficiaries in legal limbo, facing uncertainties about their future in the country.
What changes in immigration policies are affecting Cubans with I-220A?
The Donald Trump administration has implemented measures to tighten the "catch and release" policy, which involves reviewing the freedom of those who have recently entered the U.S. using forms such as the I-220A. This has created fear and uncertainty among Cuban migrants regarding potential arrests and deportations.
What options do Cubans with I-220A have to regularize their immigration status in the U.S.?
Cubans with I-220A can attempt to apply for the Cuban Adjustment Act, which allows them to apply for residency after one year of stay in the U.S. However, due to the lack of official recognition of the I-220A as an admission document, the process can be complicated and is subject to changes in immigration policies.
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