The Cuban boxer Yordenis Ugás spoke out on his official account on X (formerly Twitter) regarding the deportation of Heydi Sánchez Tejeda, a Cuban mother who was repatriated to the island by U.S. immigration authorities, leaving behind her nursing baby and the child's father, a U.S. citizen.
"Very sad what has happened with the deported Cuban who leaves behind a small child, who even seems to have some condition. It was always said that criminals and delinquents would be pursued, not hardworking and decent people," Ugás wrote in his post.
I hope Cubans condemn this, so that things like this do not continue happening in exile. For that reason, even though everyone knows how I think, I have never campaigned for any politician in this country. I prefer to continue being an activist for the freedom of our country. For the freedom of all our political prisoners," added the boxer.
A case that has shocked the Cuban exile community
The story of Heydi Sánchez Tejeda has sparked a strong wave of outrage among the Cuban community in exile and advocates for migrant rights. The Cuban mother was detained in Tampa on April 22 while attending a routine immigration appointment with ICE, with no criminal record and in the midst of the process to regularize her immigration status through her husband, who is a U.S. citizen.
Despite being in legal proceedings and having a daughter who is exclusively dependent on breastfeeding, she was arrested and subsequently deported to Cuba on Thursday on a flight that transported 82 migrants from the United States to Havana.
The husband of Heydi expressed his despair over what happened and openly questioned the actions of U.S. immigration authorities. Currently, the baby remains in the United States under her father's care, while her mother is back in Cuba, with no clear date for family reunification.
The case has raised alarms within the migrant community and brings to the forefront the current practices of ICE, as well as the urgent need for immigration reform that protects families in vulnerable situations.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Deportation of Heydi Sánchez Tejeda and the Reaction of Yordenis Ugás
Why was Heydi Sánchez Tejeda deported?
Heydi Sánchez Tejeda, who arrived in the United States five years ago and received a supervision and deportation order (I-220B), was deported despite having no criminal record and being in the process of immigration regularization. She was detained during a routine immigration appointment in Tampa, Florida, and deported to Cuba, which has sparked outrage over the separation from her nursing daughter and her husband, an American citizen.
What was Yordenis Ugás's reaction to the deportation of the Cuban mother?
The Cuban boxer Yordenis Ugás expressed his sadness and condemnation regarding the case, stating that it is unfair to target hardworking and decent people. Ugás also emphasized the importance of the Cuban community in exile condemning such actions to prevent them from continuing.
How has the Cuban community in the U.S. reacted to this deportation?
The Cuban community in the United States has reacted with deep indignation to the deportation of Heydi Sánchez Tejeda. Many believe that separating a mother from her nursing infant is inhumane and have strongly criticized the current immigration policies that allow such situations to occur.
What does the case of Heydi Sánchez imply for U.S. immigration policies?
The case of Heydi Sánchez has brought to the forefront the practices of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the need for immigration reform that protects families in vulnerable situations. Sánchez's deportation, despite not violating legal conditions, highlights the inconsistencies in the current system.
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