Anguish has engulfed a Cuban family residing in Florida following a dramatic turn in the routine immigration appointment of the mother, which ended with her detention and the threat of immediate deportation.
Heydi Sánchez Tejeda, mother of a girl just one year old, was arrested on Tuesday in Tampa when she appeared for her appointment with the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Carlos Yuniel Valle, husband of Heydi and a U.S. citizen, spoke with CiberCuba in hopes that bringing attention to the case would lead the authorities to release her.
According to what was said, the appointment was originally scheduled for April 30, but it was unexpectedly moved up to Tuesday the 22nd. Both arrived with the girl accompanied by a lawyer, unaware of the traumatic experience they were about to endure.
Minutes after being there, Carlos Yuniel Valle received a distressed call from his wife, who, crying, told him to come pick up their daughter because she had to stay.
Visibly affected, the man recounted that the agents handed him the little girl, who was only screaming and crying. He wasn't even allowed to say goodbye to his partner.
Heydi's last interview at ICE was six months ago. Last month, she was called in again for April 30, but they called her in earlier and moved the date up.
"Yesterday they left her imprisoned at the Pinellas jail, and today they are transferring her to Miami because tomorrow she is taking a plane to Cuba. They aren't giving her a chance at anything, so that one can't even defend themselves," Carlos questioned.
The young woman has been in the country for more than five years. He, as a U.S. citizen, started the claim process, but they have not received a response.
"I sent the letter over two years ago and it still hasn't reached him; they haven't given any updates about it either," he emphasized.
Heydi has a supervision and deportation order (I-220B).
Upon entering the country, she spent nine months in detention. While in the detention center, she became ill with kidney problems and had to sign a deportation letter. She was in such poor health that even at that moment she wanted to return to Cuba. But in the end, she was not deported.
"They let her in. When she entered, she wanted to take care of her paperwork and do everything as it should be," her husband clarified.
The couple is legally married. After many failed attempts, they succeeded in having a girl through in vitro fertilization. The little girl was born prematurely and is still breastfeeding.
A case of injustice that defies logic
The arrest of Heydi has sparked a wave of indignation, especially because this mother has no criminal record, has complied with all laws, has worked in the country, pays her taxes, and maintains an impeccable history.
Carlos Yuniel Valle, his voice broken with desperation, denounced what he considers a great injustice.
"My wife has been in this country for five years. She is married to me, an American citizen. We have this beautiful one-year-old girl who depends on her for everything, especially when her fever spikes and she has seizures. She is completely reliant on her mother," he expressed.
"They have never given her a ticket in this country. She has worked, paid taxes, and done everything legally. What they are doing to her is an injustice," he added.
The risk of imminent deportation
Carlos Yuniel Valle, whose anguish is palpable, is confronted with the possibility that his partner may be deported, leaving behind her life in the United States and the responsibility of caring for their daughter, who still depends on her for her health and well-being.
Visibly affected and holding his daughter in his arms, Valle shared an emotional video on his social media, urgently asking for help for his Heydi, who is likely to be deported on Thursday.
The video has moved thousands of people, who are calling for a review of the case and for defense opportunities to be provided before proceeding with deportation.
The separation of a mother from her daughter, under such painful circumstances, has been perceived as an unjust act, especially when immigration authorities have allowed the regularization process to remain unresolved for such a long time.
The family, which has already endured several years of sacrifices, is now fighting for an uncertain future while facing the threat of forced separation.
Carlos Yuniel Valle has made a plea for solidarity from the community and the immigration authorities to reconsider his case and give his wife the opportunity to stay with their daughter, whom she continues to breastfeed and care for with all her love.
Frequently Asked Questions about the detention of Heydi Sánchez Tejeda and the immigration process in the U.S.
Why was Heydi Sánchez Tejeda detained at her immigration appointment?
Heydi Sánchez Tejeda was detained during a routine immigration appointment in Tampa, despite having no criminal record and having fulfilled her legal obligations. The detention occurred amid a tightening of immigration policies in the U.S., which has generated uncertainty and concern among migrant families.
What is Heydi Sánchez's legal situation in the U.S.?
Heydi Sánchez has been in the U.S. for over five years with an I-220B form, which is a supervision and deportation order. She has been waiting for a response to her claim process submitted by her husband, a U.S. citizen, but has not received any updates regarding the progress of her case.
What is Form I-220B?
The I-220B form is a supervision order that allows an individual to remain at liberty under certain conditions, even with a pending deportation order. It does not grant immigration benefits and leaves individuals in a state of legal uncertainty.
How has Heydi's arrest affected her family?
The detention of Heydi has had a devastating impact on her family. Her husband, Carlos Yuniel Valle, is desperate about the possibility of his wife being deported, leaving behind their young daughter who relies on her mother for care and well-being. The family is struggling to prevent this forced separation.
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