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Wendy Vega Lores, a young Cuban who dreams of becoming a pediatrician, was arrested on June 16 - the same day she turned 19 - after attending an appointment at the Immigration Court in San Antonio, Texas.
The young woman, whose political asylum application has been pending for more than two years, was arrested upon leaving the courthouse, despite having met all legal requirements and having no prior convictions.
Wendy is currently detained at the Karnes migrant women’s detention center, where she is awaiting a hearing in late July to request her release on bail.
"No I have done nothing against society," Wendy declared in an interview with Univisión.
"I was supposed to be finishing these four years and I was doing volunteer work, getting extremely good grades, working twice as hard so that I could apply to a medical school," he detailed.
Wendy arrived in the United States with her family and has demonstrated exemplary behavior from the very beginning.
She completed high school in just two years, has no legal infractions—not even a traffic ticket—and this summer she planned to begin intensive preparation to become a strong candidate for the medical schools in the country.
In the detention center, he has experienced panic attacks, anxiety, and difficulties sleeping. The person he misses the most is his nine-year-old little brother.
"There are older and younger people than me, and you see them crying because they say they did nothing wrong. It's very sad to see the situation we are in," he reported.
While Wendy remains in custody, the fear persists that her bail may be denied.
Her lawyers argue that the deprivation of liberty is not only unnecessary but also threatens the promising academic future of a young woman who, far from being a risk, embodies effort, commitment, and the desire to contribute positively to American society.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Immigration Detentions of Cubans in the U.S.
Why was Wendy Vega Lores arrested after leaving immigration court?
Wendy Vega Lores was detained despite having a pending asylum case and having met the legal requirements. Her detention occurred after an appointment at the Immigration Court in San Antonio, Texas, amid increasingly strict immigration policies in the U.S., which have led to a rise in the detention of Cuban immigrants, even when they are following their legal processes.
How does the "expedited removal" policy affect Cubans in the U.S.?
The "expedited removal" policy allows for rapid deportations without a full hearing for those who do not demonstrate a credible fear of persecution. This policy impacts Cubans who, despite meeting legal requirements, are detained after their immigration hearings, as is the case with Wendy Vega Lores and her family, who face an uncertain future following their detention in Texas.
What is the I-220A form and how does it affect asylum cases?
The I-220A form allows for the supervised release of immigrants while their asylum cases are pending. However, this document does not provide strong protection against deportation, and many Cubans with an I-220A have been detained during their immigration appointments, even when they have no criminal records and are complying with legal processes.
What consequences does the detention of Cuban migrants have for their families?
Detentions cause distress and family separation, leaving husbands, wives, and children in situations of uncertainty and helplessness. Families face not only the possibility of deportation but also the breakdown of their homes, as seen in the case of Wendy Vega Lores and other Cubans detained under similar circumstances.
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