A Cuban citizen identified as Maikel Amador Díaz was arrested on July 9 by agents of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) after appearing for his first asylum hearing in an immigration court in Orlando.
According to the information provided by journalist Javier Díaz, the man, who was carrying an I-220A document, remains in custody at the Krome detention center, located southwest of Miami.
Amador Díaz had legally entered the United States in March 2022. Since then, he had not had any infractions or legal issues and was working in the construction sector.
In Cuba, he worked as a farmer, but according to those close to him, he was forced to emigrate after being a victim of arbitrary seizures by the government and receiving constant fines that affected his economic livelihood.
Maikel has until August 8 to appeal the judge's decision, placing him on a countdown under the threat of deportation.
Voices within the community warn that such actions could occur more frequently in the current U.S. migration context, where authorities prioritize the enforcement of immigration law, even against individuals with no criminal record.
"I do not intend to scare anyone or create panic as some comments suggest. This is the reality of what is happening, and it is my duty as an immigrant to inform the vast majority of you: good people," warned Javier Díaz, urging immigrants to seek legal ways to regularize their status and to stay informed and prepared.
The arrest takes place amid a growing trend of arrests during asylum appointments, including individuals with I-220A permits.
Between March and June 2025, at least 18 Cubans with I-220A forms were arrested after attending immigration appointments in South Florida, raising alarms among the local Cuban community and immigration attorneys. These actions have been described as part of a tightening of U.S. immigration policies.
The I-220A form is a document that certifies the release of a person under immigration custody subject to specific conditions, but it does not grant legal status.
In recent years, thousands of Cubans have received this document after crossing the border with Mexico, and many of them have applied for asylum or have tried to take other routes to regularize their stay in the U.S.
However, federal judges have ruled that the I-220A cannot be used to apply for permanent residency under the Cuban Adjustment Act.
The situation for Cubans with this immigration status is concerning, as a recent report indicates that nearly 550,000 Cubans in the United States could be at risk of deportation due to the lack of clear paths to regularization and the new measures implemented by President Donald Trump, which include the indefinite suspension of humanitarian parole programs.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Detention of Cubans by ICE in the U.S.
Why was Maikel Amador Díaz arrested by ICE during his asylum appointment in Orlando?
Maikel Amador Díaz was detained by ICE after attending his asylum hearing despite having no criminal record. The detention is part of a growing pattern in which ICE arrests migrants, even without a criminal history, during immigration appointments. Many of these migrants have the I-220A form, which does not grant legal status and leaves them vulnerable to detention.
What is the I-220A form and why does it not protect against deportation?
The I-220A form is a document that allows the release of a migrant under specific conditions while awaiting a resolution of their immigration case. It does not grant legal status nor guarantee protection against deportation. This leaves holders of the I-220A in a state of uncertainty and vulnerability in the face of potential detentions by ICE.
How does U.S. immigration policy affect Cubans with I-220A?
The current immigration policy of the U.S., under the administration of Donald Trump, has tightened measures against migrants, including those with I-220A. This has led to an increase in detentions during immigration appointments, even for those with no criminal record. The suspension of humanitarian permit programs and the lack of clear pathways for regularization heighten the risk of deportation for many Cubans in this situation.
What recommendations are given to Cuban migrants to avoid detentions by ICE?
Cuban migrants are advised to seek legal pathways to regularize their status and stay informed about their rights and changes in immigration laws. It is crucial to be advised by immigration attorneys and to consider requesting virtual hearings as a preventive measure. However, the final decision on detentions may depend on ICE policies and does not always guarantee protection.
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