Laura de la Caridad González Sánchez, a 26-year-old Cuban woman holding an I-220A form, was taken into custody on Monday during her routine immigration check-in at the Miramar office in Broward County, Florida.
Her mother, Celia Sánchez, shared her distress with Univision, stating that the situation has left her utterly shattered. "I'm broken, I'm devastated; she's my only daughter," Celia Sánchez expressed, deeply troubled by Laura's arrest.
Unexpected Detainment Raises Questions
Laura, who arrived in the United States in September 2022, attended her immigration appointment without anticipating any trouble. Her mother recounted that officials at the immigration office did not provide a clear reason for her detention. "There was no explanation; they told her it was a random selection," Celia Sánchez noted.
Eduardo Soto, Laura's attorney, confirmed that she has no criminal record and revealed that several other Cubans were also detained during their check-in with ICE on Monday. "Instead of allowing her to return home, they detained her. They simply told her there was a new measure, which is still unknown. Around 18 Cubans were detained under the same circumstances," Soto explained.
Understanding Laura's Immigration Status
After entering the country through the border, Laura received an I-220A form and later applied for asylum. Her initial hearing is scheduled for December 25 of this year. According to her lawyer, she should have the opportunity to remain free until her case is resolved. "She has the right to be on the street because she was released," the attorney argued, emphasizing that standard procedures should allow Laura to continue her process under parole conditions.
Potential Shifts in Immigration Policy
However, Soto suggested that Laura's detention might be linked to new immigration policies introduced by former President Donald Trump, who vowed to tighten the "catch and release" policy. "President Trump said the 'catch and release' would end, focusing on those who arrived in the last two or three years to review their status. And these are the measures being implemented," Soto explained.
The lawyer indicated that this policy could impact approximately one million people who have entered the United States under similar circumstances since 2022, signifying a major shift in how immigrant cases are processed in the country.
Celia Sánchez finds it inconceivable what is happening to her daughter and feels betrayed by the promises of justice and freedom in the United States. "I don't think it's fair; I'm very hurt because I came to the land of freedom, where there are laws, and what was promised is not what is being done," the anguished mother concluded.
This Wednesday, a group of Cubans gathered in front of attorney Eduardo Soto's office to show their support for Laura de la Caridad González Sánchez. The young woman's mother, present at the demonstration, reiterated that her daughter has no criminal record, is studying nursing, works, and that the situation is unimaginable.
A young woman at the protest claimed to have witnessed the moment on Monday when not only Laura but also other Cubans were detained.
FAQs on Immigration Detention and Policies
What is an I-220A form?
An I-220A form is a type of release document issued to individuals who are allowed to remain in the U.S. while their immigration case is pending. It typically represents a conditional release under the supervision of immigration authorities.
Why might someone with an I-220A be detained?
Individuals with an I-220A may be detained if there are changes in immigration policies or if they are randomly selected for further review. Lack of clarity and communication from authorities can also lead to unexpected detentions.
How does the "catch and release" policy affect immigrants?
The "catch and release" policy allows immigrants to be released from detention while awaiting their court hearings. Changes to this policy, such as stricter enforcement, could lead to more detentions and less freedom for recent arrivals.