Enrique arrived in the United States in search of freedom, but today he lives with the constant fear of losing everything.
Since he arrived with his family in 2021, this 40-year-old Cuban, who requested not to reveal his last name, has lived under the shadow of migratory uncertainty. Although he has not been arrested, he knows that his situation can change at any moment.
He has a I-220A document, which is an order of release on parole that does not grant legal immigration status and keeps him vulnerable to being detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at any moment.
For this reason, Enrique has made a heart-wrenching yet strategic decision to prepare wills and power of attorney documents to protect his wife and son in case he is arrested.
Each power cost nearly 200 dollars. He also withdrew his money from the bank, leaving only what was necessary to pay basic bills, and appointed a friend to manage his assets.
“You can't sleep with worries, with this fear that I can't control, that slips away, because it’s not just me, it’s my family. Tomorrow, if God wills it, you could be caught in a checkpoint, thrown into a hole, and no one would know where you are, and you lose everything, your life is over”, he confessed to El País.
His story is not unique. According to the Florida Immigrant Coalition (FLIC), entire communities of migrants are developing contingency plans to face possible detentions.
The organization distributes an informational packet containing constitutional rights, emergency contacts, and community workshops to prepare families for a potential detention.
Since January 20, the day Donald Trump returned to the White House, the Republican has granted new powers to ICE to rapidly deport immigrants with temporary permits such as parole or CBP One, including thousands of Cubans, impacting more than 1.4 million people who entered since 2023.
In March, his administration revoked humanitarian parole, leaving more than 530,000 beneficiaries in limbo, many of whom had started to build a new life legally in the U.S. The measure raised alarm throughout the Cuban community, which was already facing a significant increase in immigration arrests.
Trump also promoted the so-called “Operation Safeguard”, an offensive that has led to the arrest of nearly 150,000 individuals by ICE so far in 2025.
In parallel, their government approved a megabudget of 80 billion dollars, of which 45 billion dollars are allocated to expand and operate immigrant detention centers until 2029.
Organizations and experts warn that these policies are “destroying communities” and creating an atmosphere of widespread fear, even among those who pose no threat to national security.
“Storm of Pressures” is the term used by the Center for Democracy in the Americas (CTDC) when referring to the current migration scenario for Cubans in the United States.
Frequently asked questions about the situation of Cubans with I-220A in the U.S.
What is Form I-220A and what is its purpose?
The I-220A form is a parole order issued by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) that allows certain migrants, such as Cubans, to reside temporarily in the United States while their legal situation is resolved. However, this document does not grant legal immigration status or work authorization, leaving beneficiaries in a vulnerable position regarding potential detentions and deportations.
Why are Cubans with I-220A at risk of detention?
Since Donald Trump's return to the presidency, new powers have been granted to ICE to quickly deport immigrants with temporary permits such as the I-220A. ICE's stricter policies are leading to detentions even of those who attend their appointments and have no criminal records, creating an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty among Cuban migrants and their families.
How are Cuban families facing the threat of detention by ICE?
Many Cubans in the United States are taking preventive measures against the risk of detention. They are preparing wills and power of attorney to protect their families and assets in case of arrest. Additionally, organizations like the Florida Immigrant Coalition are distributing informational packets and offering community workshops to help migrants navigate these situations and understand their rights.
What impact do current immigration policies have on the Cuban community in the U.S.?
The current immigration policies are creating a climate of fear and destruction of communities. The Trump administration has revoked programs such as humanitarian parole, affecting thousands of Cubans who had begun to build a new life legally in the United States. These measures have led to an increase in arrests and deportations, impacting the economic and emotional stability of many migrant families.
Filed under:
