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Two Cuban citizens carrying the I-220A document were identified as part of a group detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on Wednesday at the immigration court in Miami, according to journalist Javier Díaz in his Instagram account.
Díaz reported that that morning more than 10 Cubans with I-220A were arrested, as told by a fellow countryman who was attending his own immigration hearing.
"He tried to record what was happening, but an officer called his attention," noted the reporter, who asked his followers to help confirm the identities of those detained.
Hours later, Díaz confirmed that Denis Durán Águila and Elmer Sánchez López were among those arrested.
Both carried the I-220A document, a form given to migrants who are released while waiting for the progress of their immigration process, but that does not equate to stable legal status.
Durán Águila, a young real estate agent, starred in one of the most touching scenes of the day when his mother knelt in tears before the ICE officials, pleading for them not to take him away.
"Simply heartbreaking," wrote Díaz, who had already shared the video of the incident, which went viral on social media. Despite the mother's plea, the young man was arrested.
For her part, Elmer Sánchez's wife confirmed his arrest. The Cuban arrived in the United States in 2022 and also carried the I-220A. No criminal records have been reported in his case.
They were transferred to Alligator Alcatraz
In an update to the information, the reporter revealed that both men are now in Alligator Alcatraz prison.
In addition to them, a third Cuban was identified as apprehended by ICE: Jhon Eduardo Hernández.
"According to lawyers, they must now discuss their political asylum cases in Alligator Alcatraz, where they have been taken, and if they are not approved, they would be deported to a third country if Cuba does not accept them," she specified.
Reactions on social media: between sadness and indifference
Díaz also denounced that some Cubans in the United States have celebrated these arrests.
"The saddest thing is how there are some Cubans who rejoice," he criticized, lamenting the lack of empathy in a community that has historically sought refuge in this country.
The image of a mother on her knees and a young man in a suit being detained has sparked debate on social media, with many pointing out the hypocrisy of a policy that today targets those who arrived in a similar manner to previous generations that fled communism.
"How many more have to be stopped?"
Javier Díaz harshly criticized current immigration policies, especially their impact on individuals with no criminal record who arrived in the United States fleeing dictatorships, as is the case for most Cuban migrants.
"How many more Cubans have to be detained in the United States? Doesn't the president recognize that there is a dictatorship in Cuba?" he emphasized.
This tightening of immigration policy is part of President Donald Trump's agenda during his second term, involving constant raids, court arrests, and deportations of individuals previously allowed under programs such as I-220A or I-220B.
Other recent cases
On Wednesday, it added to a series of recent arrests of Cuban citizens.
Last week, the dramatic case of Mercedes Capaz was brought to light, a Cuban who voted for Trump, whose son has been in ICE custody for four months after living in the country for two decades.
"Since then, I have no life," she tearfully told Telemundo, lamenting how her vote ended up turning against her.
These cases reflect the growing fear within the Cuban community in the United States, especially among those who are in pending immigration processes and carry documents such as the I-220A.
The uncertainty, fear, and images of mothers crying in the courts have ushered in a new phase of the migration crisis.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Detention of Cubans with I-220A in the U.S.
What is the I-220A form and what does it imply for Cuban migrants?
The I-220A form is a document that allows for the supervised release of migrants while they await a resolution in their immigration cases, but it does not grant legal status. This document has caused uncertainty among Cuban migrants, as it does not guarantee protection against detentions by ICE.
Why are the arrests of Cubans with I-220A increasing?
The detentions of Cubans with I-220A have increased as part of a strengthening of immigration policies under the Donald Trump administration. These measures include more frequent raids and arrests in courts, affecting individuals who had previously been released under this status.
What impact do the arrests have on the Cuban community in the U.S.?
The arrests have generated fear and concern among the Cuban community in the U.S., especially for those with pending immigration processes. The uncertainty regarding their legal status and the possibility of being detained at any moment have heightened the anxiety among immigrants.
What reactions have there been to the arrests of Cubans with I-220A?
The arrests have sparked various reactions, ranging from protests and demonstrations of support from the Cuban community to criticism of the U.S. government's immigration policies. Some lawmakers and immigration attorneys have voiced their concerns about the lack of clarity and fairness in these arrests.
What role do Cuban-American congress members play in this situation?
Cuban-American congress members have the power to pressure the Department of Homeland Security to clarify the situation of Cubans with I-220A. However, there has been criticism regarding their lack of concrete action to resolve the legal uncertainty faced by thousands of Cubans under this status.
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