The Cuban Liosbel Sánchez Martínez, a participant in the protests of July 11, 2021, was released after four months in ICE custody and sent a message to other migrants and dissidents.
In a statement shared from the social media of activist Cristhian González de la Moneda, known as San Memero, he exclaimed: “Don’t give up… don’t sign anything, it can be done”, in a message of encouragement to those fearing deportation to Cuba.
Sánchez Martínez recounted that he had his final hearing on Friday and was released on Monday.
Liosbel and her brother Liosmel were arrested by ICE on May 20, 2025, after attending a migration hearing in Arizona. Since then, both have been caught in a legal limbo that has raised concern within the Cuban exile community, due to the possibility of being sent back to Cuba and imprisoned for their involvement in the protests of July 11.
The young man stated that he had had the representation of lawyer Isabel M. Martínez "since day one," for which he expressed his explicit gratitude.
The protester explained that he passed the "credible fear" interview and thanked the support of donors, journalists, and individuals who rallied for his case.
“Remember that in the end it is the Cuban dictatorship that forces us to leave our countries,” he stated, before reiterating his call to not give up during detention and asylum processes.
González had launched a campaign on GoFundMe to raise funds and cover the hefty legal defense costs for the brothers.
The release of Liosbel is a sigh of relief for the family and the activists who have been following the case, although her brother Liosmel remains detained.
The situation highlights the challenges faced by many Cuban asylum seekers in the United States, who, after fleeing repression on the island, must engage in new legal battles to avoid being deported.
Frequently asked questions about the release of Liosbel Sánchez and the situation of the 11J protesters
Why was Liosbel Sánchez arrested by ICE?
Liosbel Sánchez was detained by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on May 20, 2025, after attending an immigration hearing in Arizona. His detention arose in the context of complicated legal processes faced by many Cuban asylum seekers who participated in the 11J protests.
What was Liosbel Sánchez's message after her release?
After her release, Liosbel Sánchez sent a message of encouragement to other Cuban migrants and dissidents: "Don't give up... don't sign anything, it can be achieved, thus motivating them to continue fighting for their freedom and rights without yielding to deportation pressures."
What is the current situation of Liosbel's brother, Liosmel Sánchez?
Liosmel Sánchez remains detained by ICE, facing a legal process similar to the one his brother Liosbel went through, which raises concerns among activists and the Cuban community in exile about the risk of deportation and the possible reprisals they could face if returned to Cuba.
What does the case of Liosbel and Liosmel Sánchez reflect about the situation of Cuban asylum seekers in the U.S.?
The case of the Sánchez brothers highlights the difficulties and legal limbo faced by Cuban asylum seekers in the United States, who, after escaping repression in Cuba, must navigate complex legal processes to avoid being returned to the island, where they could face imprisonment and retaliation.
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