In recent hours, the case of Beatriz Monteagudo has come to light, a 25-year-old Cuban with an I-220A who was also part of the group of women detained on March 10 during their check-in appointment at the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) offices in the city of Miramar.
In a recorded phone call by Telemundo 51, the young woman -from the Broward detention center- voiced her fear of being transferred to another state.
“I am afraid that I will be transferred to another state because they are taking them to Louisiana, to Texas. And that really scares me, to be transferred to another state,” said Beatriz Monteagudo.
In statements to the aforementioned media, Johan Ariel, a friend of the young woman, recalled the frustration of last Monday when, after wishing her good luck, he asked her to text him after her appointment. However, she never came out.
“Upon receiving the call, she bursts into tears. She says to me: ‘Johan, I'm here, I don't know what happened. I don't know why they detained me. There are 18 of us,” Ariel recounted.
The lawyer Rosaly Chaviano expressed her opinion on what is happening, a phenomenon that has also left lawyers puzzled.
“Really, we don’t know for sure... because ICE hasn’t officially stated why they are detaining these individuals, but what we are seeing are these detentions based on violations of the I-220A conditions. Definitely, if there are no violations committed by these individuals, that could be an argument to inform ICE that these individuals are willing to comply with whatever is requested of them, whether it’s a bond or additional conditions,” explained Chaviano.
“What worries us is that they extend this interpretation of expedited deportations to those individuals who are not currently in a deportation court. Those who are I-220A without a court,” added the attorney, who emphasized the need to prepare for such circumstances.
Meanwhile, the mother of the young Beatriz Monteagudo is desperate in Cuba.
"We know almost nothing about our daughter. A girl who had done everything right. She had appeared in court. She had a work permit. She has committed no crime. What a situation for young people who leave this country, crossing borders, only to be left in limbo!" she lamented.
“So where is freedom sought?”, questioned the young woman's mother.
Furthermore, in this case, it adds to the situation that Beatriz Monteagudo lacks the financial support to hire a lawyer and must wait for the government to assign her a public defender. Her friend Yohan Ariel clarified this, who also finds himself in a difficult situation. He is a case of CBP On, and although he applied for residency, he currently also lacks a stable status.
Where are the Cubans detained by ICE on March 10?
In addition to Beatriz Monteagudo, the names of the other Cuban women who were detained by ICE last Monday are Laura de la Caridad Sánchez, Yadira Cantallops Hernández, and Denice Reyes.
Laura de la Caridad Sánchez, 26 years old, works, studies nursing, and had a graduation date set for December.
In the case of Yadira Cantallops Hernández, who is the mother of a young child born in the U.S. and had a deadline in April.
Regarding Denice Reyes, who entered the country in 2022 with her husband, he has been placed under constant monitoring, but she, on the other hand, was detained.
The journalist Daniel Benítez is in contact with the spouses of two of them, who have been very anxious in recent hours because the transfer that Beatriz Monteagudo feared has now been confirmed.
In a recent report, Benítez specified that the detained Cuban women - a group that the communicator estimates to be five or six - are being held together and were first flown to Arizona and then to the city of San Diego, California.
According to the testimony of the husband of one of the affected women, the officer who assisted them told the women not to worry, that the “process” does not take more than seven days.
However, the uncertainty about the young women's final fate remains, as according to their own testimony, they would be receiving good care.
As the days go by, the question arises as to why it is women with I-220A who are being detained.
On social media, numerous internet users propose all kinds of hypotheses.
Some believe that the government perceives men as a more effective labor force.
Others, on the other hand, believe that by potentially deporting female members, the government eliminates the possibility of those women having children on U.S. soil; this is considering that the elimination of birthright citizenship is one of the current Administration's battlegrounds.
However, there is no official reason to explain why it is Cuban women with I-220A who have been detained in recent days.
What is Form I-220A?
The I-220A form, known as the "Order of Release on Recognizance," is a document that permits the release of individuals from federal custody under certain conditions.
Among them is the obligation to appear at immigration hearings and not to violate local or federal laws.
However, this status is not considered an official admission to the country and does not grant immigration benefits, leaving beneficiaries in a state of legal uncertainty.
One of the main drawbacks of the I-220A is that Cuban migrants released under this condition are not eligible to adjust their status under the Cuban Adjustment Act, as they are not considered "inspected and admitted" into the country.
This restriction affects thousands of Cubans who have entered in recent years and were hoping to obtain permanent residency.
Immigration law experts recommend that those in this situation seek specialized legal advice.
It is crucial to meet all the conditions set forth in the I-220A form and to attend scheduled appointments with immigration authorities on time to avoid further complications.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Detention of Cuban Nationals with I-220A by ICE
What is the I-220A form and why is it important for Cuban immigrants?
The I-220A form is known as the “Order of Release on Recognizance” and allows for the release of individuals from federal custody under certain conditions. It is important for Cuban immigrants because, while it permits them to remain in the U.S., it is not considered an official admission, which complicates their legal situation and status adjustment under the Cuban Adjustment Act.
Why are Cuban individuals with I-220A being detained by ICE?
Although there is no official reason, it is speculated that the arrests are related to violations of the I-220A conditions. Some experts suggest that it could be a move to send a message of strict adherence to immigration conditions. These arrests have raised concerns, as ICE has not provided a clear explanation.
Where are the Cuban women detained by ICE on March 10?
The detained Cuban women, including Beatriz Monteagudo and others, were flown to Arizona and then to San Diego, California. They remain together, and according to authorities, the process they are undergoing should not take more than seven days, although their final destination is still uncertain.
What can Cubans with I-220A do to protect themselves against possible detentions?
It is crucial for Cubans with I-220A to strictly comply with all the conditions of the form, attend their appointments with ICE punctually, and seek specialized legal advice to understand their immigration situation. Staying informed and updated on new ICE measures is also essential to avoid legal complications.
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