Family members of Heidy Sánchez Tejeda, a mother recently deported to Cuba under an I-220B order, are experiencing a harrowing ordeal as they are separated from her husband and their one-year-old daughter. The child, who is still nursing, is desperately calling for her mother.
In an interview with Telemundo 51, the paternal grandmother, who is currently caring for the toddler while the father works, described how the little girl longs for her mother and becomes restless at bedtime. "Since birth, she's always been with her mother; she never leaves her side. When it's time to sleep, she gets very restless, calling for her, wanting to be with her," the grandmother shared.
Claudia Cañizares, Heidy's attorney, informed Telemundo that Heidy has no criminal record. Despite having the opportunity to adjust her status through her American citizen husband, she was sent back to Cuba due to a 2019 deportation order. "We explained to ICE that she had an alternative remedy available, which was to apply for a waiver through her husband, but their response was a firm 'no'," she stated.
The legal team is striving to expedite the approval of the family petition and also considering a humanitarian parole request, which Cañizares admitted is "quite challenging." "I believe she will definitely receive the waiver, but the issue with the waiver is that it takes a long time. If processed normally without expedited handling, Heidy could be waiting in Cuba for up to three years," she added.
Meanwhile, Florida Democratic Congresswoman Kathy Castor has urged President Donald Trump to take swift action to grant humanitarian parole to the young mother. In a letter sent Monday and published on Castor's official site, the congresswoman condemned the deportation as a "cruel and illegal" act that represents a "deep stain" on the Trump administration.
Castor further criticized the manner in which Sánchez was "ruthlessly torn away" from her husband and child during a routine check-in with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), despite complying with all immigration process requirements.
Heidy Sánchez Tejeda remains in Cuba, separated from her young daughter and husband, as civil rights organizations, community leaders, and congressional representatives apply pressure for a swift response from the White House.
Understanding the Impact of Deportation on Families
What challenges is Heidy Sánchez Tejeda facing following her deportation?
Heidy is separated from her husband and their young daughter, who is still nursing and deeply misses her mother. The family is struggling with the emotional and logistical challenges of this separation.
What legal actions are being considered to reunite Heidy with her family?
Heidy's legal team is working on a family petition and considering a humanitarian parole request, although both processes present significant challenges and can be time-consuming.
How has Congresswoman Kathy Castor responded to Heidy's deportation?
Congresswoman Castor has called on President Trump to grant humanitarian parole to Heidy, criticizing the deportation as cruel and urging for immediate action to rectify the situation.