A heartbreaking and deeply moving moment was captured on video and shared on social media by journalist Javier Díaz from Univisión: a Cuban mother knelt in a U.S. court pleading for her son not to be detained.
He did it with desperation and tears, but neither his plea nor the image of his son dressed in a suit and tie was enough to stop the immigration agents. The young man was detained by ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement), and now faces imminent deportation.
"Simply heartbreaking," wrote Díaz. "How many more Cubans have to be detained in the United States? Doesn't the president recognize that there is a dictatorship in Cuba? It's unbelievable what we're witnessing with people who haven't committed any crimes and who arrived, like many others before, in search of freedom."
A scene that reflects the migratory drama under the Trump administration
This episode is not an isolated case but rather another example of the hardening of immigration policy under President Donald Trump, who, in his second term, has resumed a tough stance on immigration, aimed at both curbing border crossings and deporting individuals already living in the United States, even if they have no criminal records.
Thousands of Cuban, Venezuelan, Nicaraguan, and other families have arrived in the U.S. in recent years seeking refuge from dictatorships and humanitarian crises, and now they are facing raids, detentions, expedited processes, and summary deportations.
The case of this young Cuban, whose identity has not been revealed for privacy reasons, puts a face to the silent suffering of many migrant families, who watch as their dreams of freedom and safety crumble despite having followed the legal process or lived peacefully.
"It arrived like you and your family 60 years ago."
The message from Javier Díaz on Facebook reminds us that the migratory history of Cubans in the U.S. is marked by the escape from communism, by generations who arrived in the country seeking freedom.
“It arrived one day just like you and your family more than 60 years ago… seeking freedom,” he wrote, referring to the thousands of Cuban exiles who found refuge decades ago.
But the current context is very different. Under the policies of the current administration, even those who do not pose a threat, like this young man dressed in a suit to project an image of respect and belonging, are being detained and expelled.
The image of a mother on her knees pleading for her son has sparked outrage, sadness, and debate on social media. For many, it symbolizes a migratory system that has stopped listening, even when humanitarian reasons are clear.
Other cases of Cubans arrested by ICE
On July 7th, ICE announced the arrest of Osmani Mompie, a Cuban citizen convicted of conspiring to transport undocumented immigrants, in an operation carried out by their office in New Orleans.
According to official information, Mompie was arrested for his involvement in activities that endangered the lives of others by facilitating irregular border crossings. ICE categorized the detainee as a "criminal" and warned that anyone in that condition should "expect an arrest."
A day later, the story of Mercedes Capaz emerged, a Cuban and American citizen, who voted for Donald Trump convinced that he was protecting families, but now she feels betrayed.
His only son, Pedro González Capaz, has been detained by ICE for four months and is facing a deportation order to Cuba after two decades of living in the United States.
"Very betrayed, because I didn't think he would do this to me. Not to me, nor to many people," she said tearfully to Telemundo.
Since her son's arrest, her life has been reduced to prayers and anguish: “I feel a shock, I think something happened to him. And I start to cry and kneel down and cry out to God. Ever since this happened, I have no life.”
González, 37, was arrested on March 2 at his home in Key Largo, Florida, by immigration agents, despite living under the I-220B supervision program and attending all his appointments.
"And it wasn't until April that he was supposed to go, but they told me this is since the new administration took over," Capaz explained.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Detention and Deportation of Cuban Migrants by ICE
Why was the young Cuban detained by ICE in the United States?
The young Cuban was detained by ICE after a hearing in immigration court, as part of a stricter policy on the detention and deportation of immigrants implemented during Donald Trump's second term. Despite having no criminal record and having applied for asylum, he was arrested, reflecting a more aggressive strategy by ICE to expedite deportation processes.
What is the "expedited removal" applied by ICE?
"Expedited removal" is a policy of rapid deportation that allows ICE to deport immigrants without a full hearing if they have been in the country for less than two years and do not have valid status. This policy has been reinstated and expanded by the Trump administration, once again exposing thousands of immigrants to immediate deportation.
What is the impact of Trump's immigration policy on Cuban families in the U.S.?
Trump's immigration policy has had a devastating impact on Cuban families residing in the U.S. Many of these families, who arrived seeking freedom and safety, now face raids, detentions, and expedited deportations, even if they have no criminal record. This has generated outrage and fear within the immigrant community, both among those hoping to regularize their status and those who already have legal status.
What can families affected by ICE detentions do?
Families affected by ICE detentions can seek legal assistance to explore options for appeals and protection. Immigration lawyers recommend appearing at hearings with legal representation and considering requesting virtual hearings to avoid immediate detentions. Additionally, it is crucial for migrant communities to educate themselves about their rights and come together to advocate for their interests.
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