A Cuban woman shared on social media about the immigration appointment she attended with her husband and children at the ICE office in Phoenix, Arizona, and encouraged other migrants to show up without fear.
"We just left our appointment with ICE, everything went well, as you can see we are here. Now we are on our way home," she said in a video posted on TikTok (@evelynferrer95).
The woman explained that her appointment and her husband's were arranged through the automatic kiosk system. "Our appointment was at 10 in the morning, and we arrived at 9:30. When we were about to enter, the person at the door told us we had to wait until 10."
After entering their information, the kiosks printed a notification instructing them to wait for an agent. "We sat there for about an hour, waiting until the person at the door came back out with another paper, which indicated our next appointment." The new date was scheduled for the following year.
In a previous video, the migrant had shown how she had to come with her children since she had no relatives to leave them with. "We had to come with the kids because we don't have any other family," she stated, pointing out that the atmosphere in the place was calm. "I really saw the parking lot very full, but in the waiting room, there were only seven people."
It also highlighted the presence of volunteers distributing informational materials. “As soon as we entered, we encountered this girl, who is a volunteer handing out cards with information about your rights as immigrants.”
"I recommend that if you have an appointment soon here at ICE, don't be afraid and come. Everyone who was coming was leaving for their home without any problems. I didn't see anyone being detained, much less," he concluded.
A migratory context marked by uncertainty
The testimony of this Cuban family comes amid a climate of increasing tension for thousands of migrants who must attend periodic appearances before ICE, especially those under I-220A or I-220B.
Recent cases like that of Ariel Cruz Penton, a Cuban who was detained without a court order in Colorado and moved to Texas for possible deportation, have raised alarm within the migrant community. His family has reported irregularities in the process, including the signing of documents without adequate legal representation.
Another testimony comes from a young Cuban who attended his routine appointment with ICE in Miramar, Florida. He recounted that although his case number did not initially appear in the system, he was able to complete the procedure without any issues. "Everything is fine, everything is calm," he said in his video.
Legal experts recommend, although many reports reflect experiences without arrests, attending court appointments with legal representation, especially in light of the increasing number of judges who reject appearances by video call.
ICE under the Trump administration
The concerns of the migrant community are compounded by the tightening of immigration policies under Donald Trump's second term. Since June, ICE has issued over 10,000 notices of fines to undocumented immigrants, eliminating the prior waiting period for sanctions and activating economic penalties of up to 998 dollars per day for non-compliance with deportation orders.
The government also promotes the use of the CBP Home application as a way to manage voluntary departures, with economic incentives such as the forgiveness of fines, free tickets, and a departure bonus of $1,000.
While thousands of Cuban families live in a migratory limbo, testimonies like that of this Cuban mother in Phoenix offer a glimmer of hope, but also make it clear that uncertainty continues to shape the journey for those seeking to legalize their status in the United States.
Frequently Asked Questions about Appointments with ICE and the I-220A Immigration Process for Cubans
What is the I-220A form?
The I-220A form, known as "Order of Release on Recognizance," is a document that allows 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 any immigration benefits, leaving them in a state of legal uncertainty.
Is it safe to attend an appointment with ICE under the I-220A status?
Attending an appointment with ICE can be a tense experience for those with I-220A status due to the possibility of detentions. However, many migrants have reported that their appointments go smoothly, although it is advisable to attend with legal representation for added security.
What happens if I don’t show up for an appointment with ICE?
Failing to attend an appointment with ICE can have serious consequences, such as the issuance of a detention or deportation order. It is crucial to comply with all the conditions set forth in the I-220A form and to attend scheduled appointments on time to avoid additional complications.
What should I do if I am afraid of being arrested at my appointment with ICE?
If you fear being arrested at your ICE appointment, it is advisable to seek legal counsel and attend the appointment with a lawyer. The presence of a lawyer can provide protection and appropriate representation, especially if complications arise during the process.
How does Donald Trump's mandate affect Cuban migrants with I-220A?
Under Donald Trump's administration, immigration policies have tightened, increasing pressure on Cuban migrants with I-220A. Detentions have intensified and economic sanctions have been imposed on undocumented immigrants, creating an atmosphere of uncertainty and fear among migrant communities.
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