The Cuban community in the United States has expressed intense outrage following the deportation of Heydi Sánchez Tejeda, a breastfeeding mother separated from her one-year-old daughter, who remains in the U.S. under the care of her American father, Carlos Yuniel Valle. This deportation, carried out by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on Thursday morning, has sparked a flurry of reactions on social media, particularly on CiberCuba's Facebook page, where numerous users voiced their shock and condemnation.
"My God, why do they separate this family? How much that girl needs her mom," commented Maritza López. Her sentiment was echoed by many, including Sandra María Berlanga, who shared, "Her daughter alone with her dad... just imagining it hurts me."
Criticism of the current immigration policy under Donald Trump's administration was also prevalent. "ICE went too far, this is inhumane," stated Michel Labrada. Yudesky Vega, a notable fan on the platform, questioned, "Weren't deportations supposed to be only for criminals? Politics is a very dirty thing."
Unexpected Deportation Despite Legal Proceedings
Heydi Sánchez was apprehended during a routine immigration appointment in Tampa, Florida, even though she held an I-220B form, which allows temporary stay while awaiting deportation proceedings. Despite having an active petition for adjustment of status through family reunification for over two years, she was deported without warning, severing her connection with her breastfeeding daughter.
"They deported her, my brother," was the brief message Carlos Yuniel Valle sent to CiberCuba's editorial team, conveying the family's pain and confusion.
Community Demands Compassion and Humanity
In the comments, Nancy del Castillo emphasized, "Laws are supposed to be for everyone," while others like Adita Valdés and Margarita Acosta called for "a bit of humanity" in the enforcement of immigration laws.
This incident is not isolated. Recent weeks have seen other Cubans detained during immigration appointments despite complying with legal requirements. Víctor Manuel Izquierdo Peralta, a 21-year-old Cuban, was arrested in Tampa on his birthday while attempting to process his legal residency through marriage.
Since deportation flights to Cuba resumed in April 2023, 15 operations have returned 450 Cuban migrants, according to Cuba's Ministry of the Interior. For many, Heydi Sánchez's case illustrates the human toll of political decisions that, according to multiple voices, lack compassion.
"That's not fair. Whoever did this has no mother or heart," concluded Omara García, another of the hundreds who have spoken out against what they see as an avoidable tragedy.
Impact of U.S. Immigration Policies on Cuban Families
Why was Heydi Sánchez Tejeda deported?
Heydi Sánchez Tejeda was deported by ICE during a routine immigration appointment in Tampa, Florida, despite holding an I-220B form and having an active adjustment petition for family reunification.
What has been the community's reaction to her deportation?
The community has reacted with outrage and condemnation, expressing shock and demanding more compassionate enforcement of immigration laws.
How many Cuban migrants have been deported since April 2023?
Since the resumption of deportation flights to Cuba in April 2023, 15 operations have resulted in the deportation of 450 Cuban migrants.