Cuban-American Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar celebrated on Tuesday the release of Yadira Cantallops, a mother detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and reaffirmed her commitment to the thousands of Cuban migrants caught in a legal limbo under the I-220A immigration status.
"One more liberated! I welcome this good news with relief, but I will not forget those who are still detained or the thousands trapped in a legal limbo. My fight does not end until they receive the parole they deserve!" Salazar wrote on his X account (formerly Twitter), using the hashtag #I220A.
Yadira Cantallops, originally from Holguín, was arrested by ICE in March in the city of Miramar, Broward County, Florida, while attending a routine appointment with immigration authorities.
She was transferred to a detention center in California, where she stayed for one month and 11 days until she was able to present her case before an immigration court. The judge imposed a bail of $1,500, and after paying it, she regained her freedom.
According to journalist Daniel Benítez, Cantallops has already been able to meet with his son, a U.S. citizen, and will continue his asylum process while at liberty.
The woman entered the United States in January 2022, along with her husband, also under form I-220A, which until recently was considered a supervised release order.
While Yadira is already home, the case of other Cuban women detained under similar circumstances remains unresolved. Among them is Denisa Reyes, arrested on the same day as Cantallops, who also received bail (set at $6,000), but her release has not been confirmed.
The arrests of Cuban women with I-220A during their appointments with ICE began on March 13, 2025, when the case of Mailén González was reported, leading to protests from the Cuban community in Miami.
In the following days, at least six women were arrested under the same status, which generated fear and uncertainty among thousands of Cuban migrants under the I-220A.
In several of the documented cases, the detainees had no criminal record, were unaware of the reasons for their arrest, and reported poor conditions in the detention centers.
The gesture of María Elvira Salazar—amid strong criticism from Cuban emigrants who accused her of being a traitor for "not defending" the community against the anti-immigrant harassment by the Donald Trump Administration—adds to the public, legal, and community efforts that have facilitated specific releases such as that of Cantallops.
However, the situation of dozens of Cubans under I-220A remains unresolved, while pressure from the immigrant community increases for this status to be recognized as a pathway to parole or legal immigration adjustment.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Situation of Cubans with I-220A
What is the I-220A form and what is its impact on Cuban migrants?
The I-220A form, known as "Order of Release on Recognizance," is a document that permits the release of individuals from federal custody under certain conditions. This status is not considered an official admission to the country nor does it grant clear immigration benefits, leaving beneficiaries in a state of legal uncertainty. Thousands of Cubans find themselves trapped in a legal limbo because of this form, as they cannot adjust their status under the Cuban Adjustment Act.
What was María Elvira Salazar's role in the liberation of Yadira Cantallops?
Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar has been active in her support for Cubans detained under I-220A, including the case of Yadira Cantallops. Salazar celebrated Cantallops' release and has reaffirmed her commitment to advocate for Cuban migrants trapped in the legal limbo of I-220A. She has held discussions with ICE and the Department of Homeland Security to prevent further detentions of Cubans in this situation.
What actions are being taken to resolve the legal limbo of Cubans with I-220A?
Currently, both Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar and a group of lawyers are working to find solutions to the I-220A issue. Salazar is promoting a bill to regularize the status of these migrants, while the lawyers are preparing lawsuits to provide them with a legal exit. However, the solution could be administrative if the Department of Homeland Security decides to recognize the I-220A as a legal entry under the Cuban Adjustment Act.
Why is it important for migrants with an I-220A to attend their ICE appointments?
It is crucial for migrants with an I-220A to attend all their scheduled appointments with ICE, as missing these could further complicate their legal situation. Timely attendance at appointments is a condition of the I-220A, and failing to comply could lead to detention or even deportation. Immigration lawyers recommend that these migrants seek specialized legal counsel to properly manage their status.
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