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A Cuban with an I-220A is currently detained at the Krome immigration center and is at risk of deportation after being involved in a dangerous police chase at over 120 miles per hour on the Palmetto Highway (SR-826) in Miami, which ended in an accident with his vehicle overturned.
The incident occurred on the night of March 16, when a Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) officer detected García Estrada driving recklessly a black Ford Mustang with white stripes, heading west near Northwest 67th Avenue.
According to the arrest report, cited by local media, the officer attempted to stop the vehicle using lights and sirens, but the driver suddenly accelerated, swerving around other cars and endangering multiple drivers.
The chase extended to the intersection of Northwest 122nd Street, where the suspect ran a red light and collided with a white vehicle.
The impact was so strong that his car ended up overturned.
Despite the severity of the accident, the officers managed to rescue García Estrada from inside the vehicle with the help of an off-duty officer from the Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office.
Once outside the car, García Estrada became aggressive and resisted arrest, which forced the officers to use a Taser to subdue him.
Once inside the patrol car, the Cuban tried to bribe the officer by offering him money in exchange for his release.
He was charged with resisting an officer with violence (two counts); fleeing and evading the police at high speed in a marked vehicle; bribing a law enforcement officer; and reckless driving causing property damage or injury to persons.
He was initially transferred to the county jail (TGK) and later to the Krome detention center, due to his irregular immigration status.
García Estrada arrived in the United States two and a half years ago through the border and has an I-220A parole order.
Fear of deportation
A close relative, who requested to remain unnamed due to the sensitivity of the case, expressed concern about the potential immigration consequences.
“My greatest fear is that he will be deported, because he doesn't have a residence permit and I'm afraid they will leave him there for a long time. Many people are coming in and I am seeing the things that are happening,” he said in statements to Telemundo 51.
“He tells me that he got very nervous, that he didn’t know what he was going to do, that his nerves betrayed him. When he tried to brake, he couldn’t control the steering wheel and crashed,” the source added, referring to the moment of the accident.
He added that the detainee had always complied with immigration requirements up to this point.
“He has not failed to fulfill anything. He has always shown up and done the right things. He had goals, he had projects, he was planning to enter nursing school to study”, he added.
The young woman interviewed requested that a distinction be made between her cousin's criminal process and his immigration situation.
“I would like to tell the judge that one thing has nothing to do with the other,” he concluded.
Meanwhile, García Estrada has a public defender and will have to return to court next month for the charges related to the accident.
Activists defending the rights of immigrants recommend that, in cases like this, individuals with irregular status be aware of the consequences of their actions and always request to see a judge to contest a potential deportation.
Frequently asked questions about the immigration situation of Cubans with I-220A in the U.S.
What is the I-220A form and how does it affect Cubans in the U.S.?
The I-220A form is a document that grants parole to migrants, allowing them to remain in the U.S. while their immigration status is being determined. For Cubans, this represents a legal limbo, as it does not guarantee permanent immigration status or the possibility of returning to Cuba without risks.
Why is García Estrada facing deportation after the pursuit in Miami?
García Estrada faces deportation due to his irregular immigration status and the criminal charges stemming from his behavior during the police pursuit. He was charged with resisting an officer with violence, fleeing and evading police, bribery, and reckless driving. These charges complicate his situation, increasing the risk of deportation.
What consequences do Cubans with I-220A face in the current context of the U.S.?
Cubans with I-220A face legal uncertainty, the risk of deportation, and a lack of access to permanent residency. The current U.S. administration has tightened immigration policies, increasing fear and uncertainty among Cuban migrants. Many have been detained during their immigration appointments, reflecting a change in the treatment of this specific group.
How can Cubans with I-220A fight against deportation?
Immigration lawyers recommend that Cubans with I-220A request to see a judge to fight against potential deportation. Additionally, it is crucial that they present a strong asylum case and stay informed about their rights and the legal avenues available to regularize their immigration status in the U.S.
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