Related videos:
The family members of Heidy Sánchez Tejeda, a mother recently deported to Cuba under an I-220B, suddenly separated from her husband and her one-year-old daughter, described the terrible situation they are going through with the breastfeeding baby who cries for her mother.
Interviewed by journalists from Telemundo 51, the child's paternal grandmother, who is responsible for her care while the father works, stated that the little girl calls for her mother and becomes anxious at bedtime.
"Since she was born, she has always had it; she never leaves it for anything. At bedtime, she becomes very restless, calling for it, asking to be with it," the grandmother conveyed.
Heidy's lawyer, Claudia Cañizares, explained to Telemundo that the mother has no criminal record and was returned to Cuba because she had a deportation order dating back to 2019, although she could adjust her status through her husband, a U.S. citizen.
"We explained to ICE that she had an alternative remedy available, which was to seek a pardon through her husband, and their response was a resounding 'no,'" she said.
Additionally, he explained that they will try to get that family request approved as soon as possible, and they are also considering the possibility of submitting a request for humanitarian parole, something that Cañizares described as "quite difficult."
"The forgiveness, I believe, is definitely going to be granted to her, but the problem with forgiveness is that it takes a long time. If they process it regularly and do not give her case an expedited process, Heidy could be waiting in Cuba for a period of three years", she added.
For her part, the Democratic congresswoman from Florida, Kathy Castor, asked President Donald Trump to take urgent action to grant humanitarian parole to the young mother.
In a letter sent this Monday and published on Castor's official site, the legislator described the deportation as a "cruel and illegal" act that constitutes a "deep stain" on the Trump administration.
Castor also reported that Mrs. Sánchez was "forcibly removed" from her husband and daughter during a check-in with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), despite complying with all the requirements of the immigration process.
Heidy Sánchez Tejeda remains in Cuba, separated from her younger daughter and her husband, while civil rights organizations, community leaders, and Congressional representatives urge a swift response from the White House.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Deportation of Heydi Sánchez Tejeda
Why was Heydi Sánchez Tejeda deported to Cuba?
Heydi Sánchez Tejeda was deported to Cuba due to a final deportation order she had since 2019. Despite having attempted to reopen her case and having an active family petition, she was detained during a routine appointment with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and deported without prior notice. Her deportation has been criticized for its abrupt execution and the lack of compassion towards Sánchez's family situation, as she left her nursing daughter in the United States.
What impact did the deportation of Heydi Sánchez have on her family?
The deportation of Heydi Sánchez Tejeda has had a devastating impact on her family, especially on her one-year-old daughter, who remains in the United States under her father's care. The abrupt separation has led to serious emotional and physical consequences for the child, who is still an infant and requires her mother's presence. The family has expressed their despair and pain, describing the situation as an injustice and an inhumane act.
What actions are being taken for Heydi Sánchez to return to the United States?
Several legal avenues are being explored for Heydi Sánchez to return to the United States, including applying for immigration waivers and humanitarian parole. Sánchez's attorney, Claudia Cañizares, mentioned that they will attempt to obtain a waiver through her husband, a U.S. citizen, and they are also considering submitting a humanitarian parole application, although she acknowledges that this process is complicated and may take several years.
What has Congresswoman Kathy Castor said about the case of Heydi Sánchez?
Democratic Congresswoman Kathy Castor has described the deportation of Heydi Sánchez as a "cruel and illegal" act. Castor has requested President Donald Trump to grant humanitarian parole to Sánchez so that she can reunite with her family. Furthermore, she has strongly criticized the current immigration policy and the lack of compassion in the enforcement of the laws, stating that the separation of the Sánchez-Valle family is contrary to American values.
Filed under: