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The Democratic congresswoman from Florida, Kathy Castor, urged President Donald Trump to act urgently to grant humanitarian parole to Heidy Sánchez Tejeda, a mother with an I-220B recently deported to Cuba, who was suddenly separated from her husband and her one-year-old daughter, both U.S. citizens.
In a letter sent this Monday and published on the official site of Castor, the legislator described the deportation as a "cruel and illegal" act that represents a "deep stain" on the Trump administration.
The representative for Florida's 14th district detailed that Sánchez, who worked as a home health aide in Tampa and was complying with her obligations to ICE, was detained without prior notice and deported, leaving her family behind.
"The treatment of the Sánchez-Valle family is abhorrent to American values and constitutional protections. But it doesn't have to be this way," wrote Castor.
"You have the authority to grant humanitarian parole to Mrs. Sánchez and reunite this family today in Tampa."
According to the congresswoman, Heidy's husband, Carlos Yuniel Valle, informed her that the separation was so sudden and traumatic that the baby, still in the breastfeeding period, had to be hospitalized.
The girl is facing health problems that require her mother's urgent presence, emphasized the congresswoman.
Castor also reported that Mrs. Sánchez was "forcibly taken" from her husband and daughter during a checkup appointment with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), despite complying with all the requirements of the immigration process.
In the letter, the legislator questioned why a working mother should be deported to an island marked by scarcity and authoritarian control.
"Due to the stifling oppression in Cuba and the lack of essential goods like food and drinking water, Mrs. Sánchez should not be sent to a country where she will suffer and be harmed," he emphasized.
The congresswoman concluded her letter by referencing the recent funeral of Pope Francis, which Trump attended, and urged him to act in accordance with his words: “I recommend that you honor his memory by acting in line with your recent exhortation to value the dignity of the individual and their fundamental rights.”
Heidy Sánchez Tejeda remains in Cuba, separated from her younger daughter and her husband, while civil rights organizations, community leaders, and congressional representatives are pushing for a swift response from the White House.
Through her official account on Facebook, Congresswoman Castor was even more blunt, accusing the Donald Trump administration of hypocrisy.
"The Trump administration is shamelessly lying when it claims to be pro-family, while the president tears a nursing baby from its mother's arms to fulfill his extremist deportation agenda," he denounced.
Castor described the situation as "shameful" and assured that his office is in contact with the Sánchez-Valle family, doing everything possible to achieve their reunification.
The Trump administration is a disgrace and a dishonor to global leadership,” he added.
For his part, Carlos Yuniel Valle, husband of Heidy Sánchez Tejeda, publicly thanked on Facebook the support of the Democratic legislator:
"Congresswoman Kathy Castor sent a letter to the President of the United States requesting the return of Heidy along with her husband and their one-year-old daughter. Thank God for hearing our prayers," she wrote.
Recently, lawyer Claudia Cañizares provided details about the immigration process and the possibilities of a potential return.
According to the explanation, the young mother had a final deportation order since 2019, which she attempted to reopen unsuccessfully before her recent arrest.
"We had been recently hired and were in the process of obtaining his immigration record to try to reopen his case and lift the deportation order," Cañizares specified.
However, the process was abruptly interrupted when ICE authorities moved up their control appointment, originally scheduled for May, and proceeded with her immediate detention and deportation.
The lawyer noted that similar situations, with fewer humanitarian reasons involved, had resulted in deadline extensions for other migrants, which created expectations for similar treatment for Sánchez. "We were caught off guard first by the rescheduling of the appointment and second, by the way she was treated," she stated.
Cañizares also reported that ICE may have acted in response to deportation quotas. "I believe that unfortunately they treated her like just another statistic, a number they needed to fulfill," he lamented.
This deportation has caused deep pain not only for the Cuban mother and her husband but also for their young daughter, according to Sánchez herself as reported toCiberCuba.
In an interview with Telemundo, Sánchez shared how painful it is to face the forced separation from her baby, after arriving in Cuba on a deportation flight with 82 migrants.
Frequently Asked Questions about the deportation of Heidy Sánchez Tejeda
Why was Heidy Sánchez Tejeda deported from the United States?
Heidy Sánchez Tejeda was deported due to a deportation order valid since 2019, despite being in a process of immigration regularization for family petition. Even though she met all immigration requirements and had no criminal record, ICE proceeded with her deportation during a routine appointment.
What is the I-220B form and why didn’t it protect Heidy from being deported?
The I-220B form is a supervision order for individuals with a deportation order. It does not guarantee protection against deportation, as it allows for temporary stay while the immigration process is resolved, but it does not eliminate the existing deportation order.
What are the chances of Heidy Sánchez returning to the United States?
Heidy Sánchez could return to the United States, but the process is complex. Her return will depend on the application for several immigration pardons due to her previous deportation order and her illegal stay. This process could take several years, depending on the approval of the pardons and the evidence presented.
How has Heidy's deportation affected her family in the United States?
The deportation of Heidy Sánchez has profoundly affected her family, especially her one-year-old daughter, who needs her mother's presence due to health issues. The separation has been described as traumatic, for both the little girl and Heidy's husband, who has publicly expressed his pain and desperation.
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