A Cuban family residing in Florida is grappling with anxiety following a sudden and distressing turn of events at a routine immigration appointment for the mother, culminating in her arrest and the looming threat of immediate deportation. Heydi Sánchez Tejeda, a mother to a one-year-old daughter, was detained on Tuesday in Tampa when she attended her appointment with the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Carlos Yuniel Valle, Heydi's husband and a U.S. citizen, shared their ordeal with CiberCuba, hoping that bringing attention to their situation might lead to her release. Originally scheduled for April 30, the appointment was unexpectedly moved up to Tuesday, April 22. Both parents, along with their daughter and an attorney, attended without suspecting the traumatic experience ahead.
Shortly after their arrival, Carlos received a heart-wrenching call from Heydi, who tearfully instructed him to pick up their daughter as she was being detained. Visibly shaken, Carlos recounted how agents handed him their crying child, not allowing him even to say goodbye to his wife.
The Struggle for Justice
Heydi's last ICE interview occurred six months ago, and she was recently summoned again for April 30, only for it to be abruptly rescheduled. "Yesterday, she was jailed in Pinellas. Today, they're transferring her to Miami, and tomorrow she'll be on a plane to Cuba. There's no time to defend ourselves," Carlos lamented.
Heydi has spent over five years in the United States. Carlos, as a U.S. citizen, initiated the process for her residency, but they have yet to receive any updates. "I submitted the paperwork over two years ago, and there's been no news," he emphasized.
Heydi holds a Supervision and Deportation Order (I-220B). After entering the country, she spent nine months in detention, during which she suffered kidney issues and reluctantly signed a deportation letter. Despite her dire health, she was not deported and was eventually allowed to stay, seeking to regularize her status.
Unjust Circumstances and Community Support
The couple is legally married and, after numerous attempts, successfully had their daughter through in vitro fertilization. Born prematurely, their daughter is still breastfeeding. Heydi's detention has sparked widespread outrage, especially since she has no criminal record, has complied with U.S. laws, worked, and paid taxes.
"My wife has been in this country for five years, married to me, a U.S. citizen. We have a one-year-old daughter who relies on her, particularly when she falls ill. Heydi has never even received a ticket here. This is a gross injustice," Carlos expressed emotionally.
The Threat of Deportation Looms
Carlos, overwhelmed with emotion, faces the grim possibility of Heydi's deportation, which would force her to leave behind her life in the U.S. and her responsibilities as a mother. Holding his daughter, Carlos shared a heartfelt video on social media, urgently appealing for help for Heydi, who is likely to be deported by Thursday.
The video has moved thousands, who are now calling for a review of Heydi's case and for opportunities to contest the deportation. The prospect of separating a mother from her child under such painful circumstances is seen as an unjust act, especially given the prolonged unresolved status of her regularization process.
The family, having already endured years of sacrifices, now faces an uncertain future as they confront the threat of enforced separation. Carlos has reached out to the community and immigration authorities, urging them to reconsider and allow Heydi to stay with her daughter, whom she continues to nurture with love.
Key Questions About Heydi Sánchez Tejeda's Case
Why was Heydi Sánchez Tejeda detained at her immigration appointment?
Heydi was detained during her immigration appointment with ICE, where she was unexpectedly informed that she would be held and potentially deported back to Cuba.
What is the current status of her immigration process?
Heydi has been in the U.S. for over five years and is married to a U.S. citizen. Despite starting the residency process, they have not received any updates from immigration authorities.
How is the community responding to her situation?
The community has shown strong support, with many people moved by a viral video posted by Carlos, advocating for a review of her case and calling for justice.