Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar, a prominent Cuban-American politician, has expressed her joy over the release of eight young Cuban women who were detained by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in March. Despite holding the I-220A form, which grants supervised release while their immigration cases proceed, these women were taken into custody, causing widespread concern.
"ALL RELEASED! The young women with I-220A detained in March, whose families reached out to me, are now free. I won't stop until parole in place is achieved for everyone!" Salazar announced on her official X account (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday, highlighting her unwavering dedication to the Cuban migrant community.
The arrest of these eight women during routine ICE appointments sparked alarm and outrage among thousands of Cuban migrants sharing the same status, prompting the detainees' families to seek assistance from Salazar's office. The congresswoman maintained direct communication with ICE throughout the process and expressed gratitude to immigration officials for addressing the situation.
Among the notable figures in this group was Yadira Cantallops, a mother of a U.S. citizen child, who spent over a month in a California detention center before being released on bail. These detentions occurred amidst rising tensions between the Cuban community and the immigration policies enacted by the Trump administration, drawing criticism from some emigrants towards Salazar.
However, her recent actions are seen as a significant effort to halt the detention of Cubans with I-220A and pursue a lasting resolution for their legal status. "I welcome this good news with relief, but I don't forget those still detained or the thousands trapped in legal limbo. My fight doesn't end until they receive the parole they deserve!" Salazar asserted.
Controversy Surrounding Legislative Efforts
Currently, Salazar is advocating for a legislative proposal that would recognize the I-220A as a valid legal entry under the Cuban Adjustment Act, thus allowing thousands of Cubans to adjust their immigration status. However, immigration attorney Willy Allen has criticized this initiative, arguing, "No new bill is necessary. The Cuban Adjustment Act already exists. That congresswoman is mocking us by saying she will propose a law. She can't propose anything. It's disrespectful. She's speaking nonsense."
Allen further emphasized, "If she truly wanted to make a difference, she would pressure her friend, the Secretary of DHS (Department of Homeland Security), to declare that the Cuban Adjustment Act applies to I-220A holders because they were inspected and admitted."
According to the esteemed Florida lawyer, the issue is administrative. "Instead of talking nonsense about a new law, argue with your government to administratively apply what's already in place," he concluded.
Nevertheless, Salazar insists she has been working alongside lawyers and activists to prepare collective legal actions aimed at protecting those still at risk of detention.
Understanding the I-220A and Cuban Immigration Status
What is the I-220A form?
The I-220A is a form that grants supervised release to individuals while their immigration processes are underway, allowing them to remain in the United States under certain conditions.
Why were the Cuban women detained despite having I-220A?
The detentions occurred during routine ICE appointments, despite the women holding I-220A forms, which should have allowed them to remain free under supervision. This led to significant concern and calls for intervention.
What is the Cuban Adjustment Act?
The Cuban Adjustment Act is a U.S. law that provides a pathway for Cuban nationals to adjust their immigration status to lawful permanent residency after being present in the United States for at least one year.