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The young Cuban Liosbel Sánchez, a participant in the protests of July 11, 2021, regained his freedom in the United States after spending four months in the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
The news was confirmed this Monday by the activist Cristhian González de la Moneda, known on social media as San Memero, who initiated a solidarity campaign to prevent the deportation of the Sánchez brothers.
"I am pleased to inform you that after 4 months of fighting the case, one of the boys has been released by ICE. Thanks to his lawyer for making this possible. Liosbel Sánchez, welcome to freedom," González wrote on the social media platform X, alongside a photo of him smiling next to the newly released young man.
A legal battle and the weight of loneliness
Liosbel and his brother Liosmel were arrested by ICE on May 20, 2025, after attending an immigration hearing in Arizona. Since then, both have been caught in a legal limbo that has raised concerns within the Cuban exile community, given the possibility that they might be deported to Cuba and imprisoned for their involvement in the protests on July 11.
In this context, González launched a campaign on GoFundMe to raise funds to cover the expensive legal defense costs for the brothers. “They don’t have family in the United States, they are practically alone. They are in danger of returning to their country. We need help to cover part of the expenses for their legal processes,” he explained when announcing the fundraising effort.
A case that reflects the vulnerability of exile
The release of Liosbel brings a breath of relief for the family and the activists who have followed the case, although her brother Liosmel remains detained. This situation highlights the challenges faced by many Cuban asylum seekers in the United States, who, after fleeing repression on the island, must fight new legal battles to avoid being returned.
The arrest of the Sánchez brothers had added to a growing list of similar episodes involving 11J protesters at risk of deportation. Among them is the outspoken rapper El Funky, performer of the song Patria y Vida, who has just obtained permanent residency in the United States, after months of warnings about a potential deportation.
Meanwhile, activists and organizations insist that the priority is to ensure that no 11J protester is returned to Cuba, where they could face imprisonment and repercussions for having taken to the streets in search of freedom.
Frequently asked questions about the release of Liosbel Sánchez and the immigration situation of the 11J protesters
Who is Liosbel Sánchez and why was he arrested by ICE?
Liosbel Sánchez is a young Cuban who participated in the protests on July 11, 2021, in Cuba. He was detained along with his brother Liosmel by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in the United States after attending a immigration hearing in Arizona. Both faced the possibility of being deported to Cuba, where they could face reprisals for their political activism.
How did Liosbel Sánchez achieve her release from ICE custody?
The release of Liosbel Sánchez was possible thanks to a solidarity campaign and the intervention of her lawyer, who worked to prevent her deportation. Activists like Cristhian González de la Moneda, known as San Memero, also played a crucial role by driving a fundraising effort to cover the legal costs of the case.
What risks do the 11J protesters face if they are deported to Cuba?
The 11J protesters who are deported to Cuba face the risk of being imprisoned and suffering reprisals for their participation in the protests against the regime. The situation is particularly critical given the history of political persecution on the island, which has raised concerns among activists and human rights organizations.
What is the impact of Liosbel Sánchez's release on the Cuban community in exile?
The release of Liosbel Sánchez represents a relief and a symbol of hope for the Cuban community in exile. It reflects the importance of solidarity and legal support in the defense of the rights of Cuban asylum seekers who have fled repression in their home country.
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