A Cuban woman has reported through the social media platform TikTok that her uncle was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in a supermarket in California, despite having his residency approved in the United States.
In the video posted on the account @mamiypapi2023, the young woman narrates with visible concern the moment her relative was approached by ICE officers right after finishing his shopping. “My uncle in California went shopping, and as he was finishing paying for his things, ICE stopped him right there and told him he had to accompany them,” she recounts.
The woman claims that her uncle showed the agents the application where it indicates that her permanent residency card has already been approved and is in the production process. However, that did not prevent him from being taken into custody by the authorities.
"We are waiting for the lawyer to update us; so far we have had no communication with him, we don't know anything, we are just seeing what happens," she added, visibly affected.
The Cuban took the opportunity of her denunciation to launch a direct criticism at the voters of former President Donald Trump. "We owe a lot to the Trump supporters, who voted for Trump and who, even today, since this isn't happening to any of their relatives, continue in this way," she stated.
"Not having paperwork here is no longer safe, but now having it doesn't guarantee safety either. What is happening? What is this?" he questioned in the video, which has generated multiple reactions among users concerned about the tightening of immigration policies in the United States.
For now, the man’s family has not been able to contact him or determine his exact whereabouts. The young woman ended the video hoping that her uncle will soon get out of this situation: “I hope my uncle gets through all of this and it’s just a rough patch.”
This incident occurs in a context where organizations advocating for immigrant rights have raised alarms about an increase in ICE activities, particularly in areas with a high presence of migrant communities.
Frequently Asked Questions about Detentions of Cuban Immigrants by ICE in the United States
Why was the Cuban's uncle arrested in California if he had an approved residency?
The uncle was detained by ICE despite his permanent residency being in the process of being issued. The authorities did not explain the specific reasons for the detention, raising concerns about a possible tightening of immigration policies in the United States.
What is the I-220A form and how does it affect Cuban immigrants?
The I-220A form is a parole document issued by ICE that allows immigrants to stay in the United States under supervision while their case is resolved. Although it is not a residency permit, it allows them to remain in the country legally. However, this does not prevent many from being detained during routine immigration appointments.
How does the tightening of immigration policies affect Cuban families in the U.S.?
The tightening of immigration policies is causing family separations and unexpected detentions of Cuban immigrants who, in many cases, have no criminal record and are in the process of regularizing their status. This creates an atmosphere of uncertainty and fear within migrant communities.
Why is ICE's treatment of Cuban immigrants criticized?
Criticism of ICE focuses on the fact that its actions, such as detentions during immigration appointments, are viewed as dehumanizing and create a negative impact on migrant families. It is noted that these practices do not take into account the situation of individuals fleeing authoritarian regimes and seeking a better life in the U.S.
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