A Cuban resident in Dallas, Texas, has publicly raised her voice seeking help for her mother, a 64-year-old woman, holder of the immigration form I-220A, who was detained by agents of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) after attending a routine appointment in late October.
The case, filled with anguish, illness, and despair, was brought to light by journalist Javier Díaz from Univision, and has touched hundreds of people in recent days who have shown solidarity with this family.
The arrest occurred on October 28 in the city of Dallas, and since then the woman has been held in an immigration detention center.
Her daughter, in tears, recounted how that seemingly ordinary day turned into an enduring nightmare that has already stretched over 45 days.
“My mom is not a person who poses a danger to society […] She is very responsible”, stated the daughter, who has not stopped fighting to bring attention to the case.
Despite the woman attending her appointment following the usual protocols under form I-220A—a document that allows certain immigrants to remain free under supervision while awaiting their immigration process—ICE decided to detain her, without clearly communicating the reason for her arrest so far.
A diagnosis that aggravates the situation
Beyond the emotional shock that it entails for any person to be deprived of their freedom without a concrete explanation, the situation is exacerbated by the health conditions of the detainee.
According to her daughter, the woman was diagnosed in 2011 with mixed anxiety-depressive disorder, a chronic mental condition that affects her emotional stability and requires ongoing treatment.
"Unfortunately, she has a medical condition; since 2011, she has been suffering from a mixed anxiety-depressive disorder. This means that, at certain times, she always falls into depression, even though she takes her medication. It is an illness that she has had to be strong to live with, as it has no cure," explained her daughter, visibly affected.
In the detention center, the woman has been assessed by psychologists and psychiatrists, who have prescribed a heavy load of anxiolytic medications—up to three times a day—despite her mood continuing to deteriorate.
"Every time we talk, she is depressed, despite taking a terrible load of medication. She is given anxiolytics three times a day. We are talking about more than four medications, and still, we have no response from the people handling her case," emphasized the complainant.
Exemplary worker and beloved by her community
Before her arrest, the lady worked at a fast-food chain, where she was responsible for preparing salads.
Her dedication and personality made her very beloved among her coworkers, who, upon learning about her situation, started raising money to legally support her case and prevent her deportation.
This spontaneous solidarity reflects not only the woman's human qualities but also the emotional impact her detention has had on those around her.
A legal limbo without answers
The lack of clear and precise information regarding the reasons for his arrest has caused great distress for the family.
After being transferred to a second detention center, the woman had her first hearing before an immigration judge, who could not explain the exact reasons for her arrest, according to the case's attorney.
Given the seriousness of the detainee's health condition, the lawyer has requested her release for medical reasons for over 20 days. The necessary documents were submitted, and the name of a person who could take care of her was provided. However, the responses have been vague and insufficient.
A bail hearing was scheduled for December 9. However, the day before that, the lawyer received an email informing him that “the judge had no jurisdiction for his court,” which added more uncertainty and despair to the case.
The story of this Cuban daughter is not just a denunciation, but a desperate cry for help, a plea for someone—be it an authority, lawyer, or human rights defender—to intervene before it is too late.
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