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The family of Rogelio Lázaro González Moya, a 26-year-old Cuban with I-220A immigration status, reports that the young man has been detained by immigration authorities in the United States for 77 days without receiving a clear response regarding his case, according to a report by Telemundo 51.
Rogelio was arrested on June 23, right after leaving his first hearing in an immigration court in Miami. Although his legal process was dismissed at that time, agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detained him and transferred him to a detention center.
Since then, he has gone through facilities in Miami, Texas, and Arizona, eventually being confined at the Eloy detention center in Arizona.
His family claims that during the transfers, the young man was subjected to precarious conditions such as being chained for hours on buses and planes, without access to water or adequate food.
They also report that he spent several days in the so-called "freezers," extremely cold cells without mattresses, where the food was insufficient.
“He is desperate, unable to defend his case, with no credible fear interview, and treated as if he were a criminal, when he is not,” stated his brother-in-law Jorge Tirado Bientz to Telemundo 51.
The young man arrived in the United States in August 2022 and has since integrated into the community in Miami, where he worked as a optometry technician in a clinic. The family emphasizes that he has no criminal record and has fulfilled all his obligations, including paying taxes.
Her sister, Iriatna Miranda Moya, claims that the family is living a "nightmare": "We are with our hands tied, we don't know what will happen or how much longer he will be detained. Rogelio is not a criminal; he worked and paid taxes," she stated in remarks reported by the media.
The immigration attorney Rosaly Chaviano explained that delays in these processes have become common. “What we are seeing is perhaps one of the tactics they use to make people lose their patience and agree to be deported.”
He recalled that holders of the I-220A have the right to request a credible fear interview and to have legal representation.
The family fears that, if deported to Cuba, Rogelio will face reprisals and professional limitations due to his background in the medical sector before emigrating.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Detention of Cubans with I-220A Immigration Status
Why was Rogelio Lázaro González Moya arrested in the U.S.?
Rogelio Lázaro González Moya was arrested by ICE after leaving a hearing at the immigration court in Miami, despite the fact that his legal case had been dismissed at that time. Since then, he has been transferred between several detention centers, and his family reports that he has faced precarious conditions during his detention.
What is the I-220A immigration status?
The I-220A is a document of supervised release issued by U.S. immigration authorities, allowing migrants to remain under supervision in the country while awaiting the resolution of their case. It is not considered a legal admission or a "parole," which complicates the possibility of applying for the Cuban Adjustment Act and obtaining permanent residency.
What are the detention conditions reported by Rogelio's family?
Rogelio's family reports that during his transfers he was chained for hours on buses and planes, without proper access to water or food. Furthermore, he was confined in extremely cold cells, known as "freezers", without mattresses and with inadequate food.
What rights do I-220A holders have during their immigration process?
Holders of I-220A have the right to request a credible fear interview and to have legal representation. In Rogelio's case, he has not yet been granted the opportunity for this interview, which has delayed his defense process.
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