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Three Cubans protected under Form I-220A, a document that allows them to remain free while facing immigration proceedings, have recently been detained by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Two of these immigrants were arrested after attending court appointments, while the third was detained while working as a Lyft driver in Texas.
The journalist Javier Díaz from Univisión 23 has been monitoring these cases and warns of an apparent trend in the treatment of Cuban immigrants with I-220A, whose cases are reportedly being dismissed and ordered for deportation.
Yasmani Guía Pablo: Arrested while working at Lyft
Yasmani Guía Pablo, a Havana native living in Texas who worked as a Lyft driver, was arrested by a police officer while finishing a trip in Williamson County.
The wife of the detained Cuban told journalist Javier Díaz that the officer asked him in Spanish if he was Cuban and subsequently arrested him on suspicion of driving under the influence of a substance. The officer only performed a follow-the-pen test on the migrant, without subjecting him to any additional breathalyzer or laboratory tests.
The police report indicates that Yasmani was allegedly seen leaving a corner where people were drinking alcohol, but his wife denies this. She insists that the young man is a Christian, does not consume alcohol, and composes music for his church. He is currently in ICE custody at a detention center in San Antonio, Texas.
Pastor Michel Roque Armas: Arrested during a routine appointment with ICE in Texas
Pastor Michel Roque Armas, originally from Pinar del Río, was detained in San Antonio, Texas, after attending a routine appointment with ICE, despite having a valid I-220A document with a scheduled cutoff date for 2027.
His arrest occurred in June, but his wife made his case public last week after receiving a deportation order issued by an immigration judge.
The report indicates that he has no criminal record, and his case falls within a series of detentions of Cubans with active immigration processes. These migrants have valid documents but are also being arrested without a clear explanation.
Rubén del Valle: Arrested after his case was dismissed in court
The most recent reported case is that of Rubén del Valle, who was arrested in Miami on September 12, immediately after a judge dismissed his immigration case during a hearing.
Rubén was arrested in the same courthouse and is currently in ICE custody. He has until October 15 to appeal the court's decision; otherwise, a deportation order will be issued and he will be required to leave the country.
These three cases reflect a growing concern within the Cuban community in the United States. At the beginning of 2024, it was estimated that more than 380,000 Cubans were under I-220A status, and according to reports from activists and lawyers, many face an uncertain situation in the U.S. immigration system.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Detention of Cubans with I-220A by ICE
What is the I-220A form and what is its purpose?
The I-220A form is a supervision release order issued by ICE, which allows certain migrants to reside temporarily in the United States while their legal situation is being resolved. Although it does not grant regular immigration status or work authorization, it also does not constitute a direct deportation order. It is commonly used by Cuban migrants who are waiting to regularize their status through options such as the Cuban Adjustment Act.
Why are Cubans with I-220A being detained?
The arrests of Cubans with I-220A are rising due to the tough-on-immigration policy promoted by the Donald Trump administration, which aims to criminalize irregular immigrants, including those with no criminal record. These actions reflect a pattern in which ICE conducts arrests during routine appointments or after judges dismiss deportation cases, leaving migrants in legal limbo and vulnerable to expedited deportations.
How is the Cuban community and the lawyers reacting to these detentions?
The Cuban community in the United States watches these detentions with increasing concern, as they believe that those holding I-220A are unjustly treated as criminals. Lawyers describe these actions as a "major violation of rights," advising migrants to seek legal counsel to explore alternatives. However, they acknowledge the difficulty of avoiding detentions, as ICE operates with pre-issued arrest warrants.
What legal alternatives do migrants with I-220A have to avoid detention?
Lawyers suggest that migrants with I-220A request virtual hearings to avoid the risk of detention during in-person appointments. However, ICE may deny the request for a virtual hearing if it plans to arrest the migrant. It is also recommended that migrants be well-informed about the documents they sign and seek legal advice to understand the alternatives available and improve their chances of success in their asylum or status adjustment cases.
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