Wendy Vega Lores, a 19-year-old Cuban woman who dreams of becoming a pediatrician in the United States, remains detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) after attending a routine appointment at an immigration court in San Antonio, Texas.
The young woman, who arrived in the U.S. with her parents as a minor and whose asylum application has been pending for over two years, was arrested on June 16, the same day she turned 19. Despite her family being released 23 days later, Wendy remains detained at the Karnes women's migrant detention center.
Univisión San Antonio reported that the detention of this family was deemed a mistake by the authorities themselves. The young woman has no criminal record, has met all legal requirements, and has maintained exemplary behavior since her arrival in the country.
Wendy completed high school in just two years, achieved excellent grades, and was pursuing university studies at Texas State University thanks to a scholarship that she could now lose if she does not manage to leave on time for the start of the semester.
The young woman faces the risk of having her academic future cut short due to an immigration judge's refusal to grant her bail. Her case is in the hands of a team of lawyers who hope to secure her release through a virtual hearing scheduled for the end of July.
Orliandis Vega, Wendy's father, stated that watching his daughter being taken away under the watch of ICE agents has been the most painful moment of his life. “That was criminal,” he said through tears.
Meanwhile, in the detention center, Wendy has experienced panic attacks, anxiety, and trouble sleeping. What she misses the most is her nine-year-old little brother.
"Here there are older and younger people than me, and you see them crying because they say that they did nothing wrong. It's very sad to see the situation we are in," he recounted.
Wendy's lawyers argue that her imprisonment is unnecessary and disproportionate. This measure could ruin the future of a young woman who embodies the aspirations of thousands of migrants seeking a better life in the United States.
Frequently asked questions about the detention of the young Cuban Wendy Vega Lores by ICE
Why was Wendy Vega Lores arrested by ICE?
Wendy Vega Lores was arrested by ICE after attending a routine appointment at an immigration court in San Antonio, Texas. Despite meeting all legal requirements and having no criminal record, her detention has been deemed a mistake by the authorities. Her case has raised significant concern as she could lose her university scholarship if she is not released in time.
What is the impact of Wendy's detention on her academic future?
Wendy's arrest could cause her to lose her scholarship at Texas State University, jeopardizing her dream of becoming a pediatrician in the United States. Her current legal situation threatens to cut short a promising academic future, as her bail has been denied and she is awaiting a virtual hearing for her potential release.
What has Wendy's family said about her arrest?
Wendy's father, Orliandis Vega, expressed that witnessing his daughter being arrested by ICE agents has been the most painful moment of his life, calling it "criminal." The family has shown great concern for Wendy's emotional well-being, who has experienced panic attacks and anxiety in the detention center.
What actions are Wendy's lawyers taking to achieve her release?
Wendy's lawyers argue that her incarceration is unnecessary and disproportionate, and they are working towards achieving her release through a virtual hearing scheduled for the end of July. They contend that the detention threatens not only her academic future but also her emotional well-being.
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