A young Cuban woman who arrived in the United States ten months ago recounted on social media the detention of her husband during a routine appointment with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in San Antonio, Texas
“Good afternoon, everyone. I'm making this video to see if the community can help me,” said Rosme, who identifies on TikTok as @rosme.cubanita95. She shared that her husband went to his regular appointment with ICE and was detained, even though he had an I-220A order and a court date scheduled for 2027. She explained that the man works, has no criminal record, and is the provider for the family.
"I hired yesterday, my family and I completed the payment and made the contract with a lawyer right there in San Antonio," she said. Rosme added that she is unemployed, with her parole revoked, and that she was processed by CBP One. "He is my support and that of my daughter. My daughter was not born here; I brought her from Cuba. We came and made the journey," she recounted. "I’m making the video just to ask for help in sharing. It’s all I ask for."
Before this video, I had shared another one in front of building 3523, the ICE headquarters in San Antonio: “My love, I only ask God that you be with us soon. You are not a criminal. Your family needs you,” he wrote.
In another, more intimate post, she expressed: “That was my desperation, and you were still by my side; today I only pray for you without losing faith because we want you with us. My soul is broken; only God knows.”
The reaction on social media was immediate. Dozens of people posted messages of solidarity, many with crying emojis, hands in prayer, and words of encouragement. "My God, this is beyond words," wrote one user. "I can't believe it. Stay calm, don’t despair, everything will be okay," said another. "Oh Rosme, stay strong. I hope everything turns out well, have faith." One follower summed up what many expressed: "God, take control of this situation; we ask you because there are many of us suffering from this situation with the emigrants. And many of us are honest and hardworking."
Some people also shared their outrage. “Rosme, aren’t they giving any explanations for why they’re detaining him like that?” a user asked. Another directly requested help from the influencer Dairon Cano: “Please, help her, she needs it; without a job, she has no one to care for her child.”
From her profile, Rosme expressed her gratitude: "Thank you all, really," and reiterated, "I only ask that you share, nothing more."
His story is not isolated. Just this week, a Cuban mother recorded the moment her son was detained by ICE in a Miami courthouse. In Texas, another young woman recounted that her husband was arrested after a similar appointment, while a mother cried in front of the camera while talking about her son, an electrician, who was also detained despite having no criminal record. A complete Cuban family was arrested in San Antonio after attending a hearing legally, and a Bolivian woman married to a naturalized Cuban was also detained along with her young children and released with an electronic ankle monitor.
These cases occur amid a widespread tightening of immigration policies in the United States. This week, the Trump administration canceled humanitarian parole for more than 530,000 migrants, including 110,000 Cubans, and launched a campaign to encourage citizen reporting. Additionally, the Department of Homeland Security is promoting voluntary self-deportation with a waiver of fines and a stipend of one thousand dollars for those who leave the country using the CBP Home app.
"I'm currently unemployed, and my parole has been revoked... Let's see what chances there are that at least I can get help sharing," Rosme insisted. His plea reflects the growing fear among Cuban migrants who, even with legal processes underway, see their stability in the United States becoming increasingly uncertain.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Detention of Cubans by ICE in the U.S.
Why was Rosme's husband detained by ICE despite having an I-220A?
Rosme's husband was detained by ICE during a routine appointment despite having an I-220A form, which is a release on recognizance order. ICE has intensified detentions even for those with ongoing legal processes due to the tightening of current immigration policies in the U.S.
What is the I-220A form and why is it a concern for Cubans?
The I-220A form is a document that allows immigrants to remain at liberty under supervision while their asylum or deportation case is resolved. This document does not guarantee complete protection against deportation, which generates uncertainty and concern among the Cubans who hold it, especially in light of recent immigration policies in the U.S.
How does the tightening of immigration policies affect Cubans in the U.S.?
The tightening of immigration policies in the U.S. has led to an increase in the detention and deportation of Cubans, even for those with legal status pending. This has generated uncertainty and fear among Cuban families, many of whom face separation due to these measures.
What legal support do Cubans detained by ICE have?
Cuban detainees by ICE can seek legal assistance to halt their deportation. Legal support can be expensive, and many families turn to the community to raise funds and hire attorneys to help fight their cases. However, the success of these efforts depends on individual circumstances and current laws.
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