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Katia Pérez Baute, a 38-year-old Cuban who has been residing in the United States since 2022 and holds an I-220A form, was arrested by agents of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and transferred to a detention center in Dallas, Texas.
The migrant was detained despite her fragile health condition and her history of good conduct in the country, as reported on social media by the journalist from Univision, Javier Díaz.
The mentioned source stated that Katia has been an oncology patient since she was three years old.
She suffers from the aftermath of a Wilms tumor—a childhood kidney cancer—due to which she underwent two surgical procedures.
He currently lives with half a kidney and requires ongoing treatment with medications like Tramadol and Gabapentin, essential drugs to alleviate chronic pain and preserve his nervous system.
His medical condition makes a prolonged stay in detention centers unfeasible.
His immune system is extremely weak and, according to reports from those around him, the confinement could put his life at risk.
A life rebuilt in the U.S.
Since her arrival in the United States in 2022, Katia has led an exemplary life.
“He has attended all his court appointments and was told to wait for his residency,” the reporter explained.
However, instead of the expected immigration document, he received an arrest warrant.
During this time, Katia became established in the community, worked tirelessly, and has no legal record or minor offenses.
"She doesn't even have a traffic ticket," lamented a close associate.
The next hearing in your case has been scheduled for November 4, although your family's main concern is that you may be deported before your situation is thoroughly examined.
Cry for justice and humanity
Katia's arrest has triggered a wave of outrage and solidarity on social media.
Hundreds of messages call for his immediate release, highlighting his integrity, his history of struggle, and the risks that his return to Cuba would entail, where access to essential medical treatments such as Tramadol is extremely limited.
His mother, María Elena Baute, visibly distressed, pleaded publicly:
“God, I beg You to watch over my girl. I am heartbroken. She is having painful crises and health issues. Please have mercy so she can survive. That is where she can have her medications and food.”
Fellow citizens, neighbors, and acquaintances from Camagüey -his hometown- and various areas of the United States have come together in a support campaign.
"She is a hardworking, proper, and honest woman. She doesn't deserve this," stated a neighbor.
Another friend wrote: “Katia is not just a colleague, she is part of my story here. Thanks to her, I got my first job in this country. Seeing her in this situation hurts us deeply.”
“The family should contact a congressperson. This case is delicate; they must address everything before she is deported,” advised a social media user.
Testimonials: a united people in supplication
Among the thousands of comments, phrases such as:
"May God place His hand and that girl be set free, she needs it."
"In Cuba, one would die; there are no medications or conditions for survival."
"It makes no sense to stop hardworking people while criminals are out on the streets."
"She and her husband sold everything to have a hope of living here."
"It’s not the only one; there are other sick people who are detained. Where is the humanity?"
Many point out the contradiction of the migration system that, as they indicate, punishes those who follow the rules.
“Why does ICE detain an honest, sick woman who has contributed to this country?”, a user asked.
The shadow of the I-220A
Katia is one of the thousands of Cuban immigrants who entered through the border with an I-220A form, a document that has caused significant legal uncertainty.
Although this form does not represent a legal entry nor guarantees a pathway to residency, many of its holders have lived in the United States for years with a work permit and without major complications, until recent immigration operations began to include them among those detained for deportation.
For many Cubans, these arrests are a direct blow to the heart of the community.
“She is the living proof of how good people are detained,” wrote a commentator. Another added: “The detention camps are filled with people like Katia, not criminals.”
"Since she was detained, we haven't heard anything about her," her cousin wrote. "She doesn't even show up on the detainee locator with her registration number," another relative reported.
A friend summarized it this way: “Katia has fought to live since she was a child. She doesn’t deserve to be locked up. This country should give her a chance to stay alive.”
The community hopes that the immigration court will review her case with humanitarian considerations and that her detention will be suspended due to her medical condition.
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