Heydi Sánchez Tejeda, a Cuban mother deported from Tampa, Florida, on April 24, remains separated from her young daughter, who is just over a year old. Her family in the United States is demanding her return, labeling the separation as "unjust." On Saturday, her husband Carlos Yuniel Valle, along with relatives and friends, staged a protest in Tampa to bring attention to her case and seek support from authorities, especially with Mother's Day approaching, which Sánchez will spend away from her little girl.
"I sent her a bouquet through an app and prepared a meal for Sunday, but she said that's not what she wants... she wants her daughter," Valle told Telemundo 49.
Sánchez had been living in the United States under an I-220B order of supervision, granted by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), which allows her to stay in the country while her deportation proceedings are underway. However, she was deported after attending a routine ICE appointment, sparking outrage among her family and immigration rights advocates.
Mirla García, the paternal grandmother, shared that the little girl has not been eating well since her mother's deportation: "She takes two bites and calls for her mom. She misses her dearly." The child had been breastfed until shortly before the separation.
Since her return to Cuba, Sánchez has sent several public messages highlighting her plight, including one for Mother's Day, where she expressed: "My heart is broken, separated from my daughter without being able to hold her," accompanied by a photo of herself with her daughter.
Recently, her husband met with a Democratic congresswoman from Tampa, who confirmed that the family reclamation process is underway. However, Valle warns that this procedure can take years, which he finds unacceptable: "Heydi can't be separated for five years due to an injustice," he insisted.
A poignant image of Sánchez holding her daughter in Cuba has circulated widely on social media, symbolizing the emotional and human toll of immigration policies. In a desperate attempt to expedite the process, the Cuban mother even sent a message to Donald Trump, urging him to intervene to facilitate her return and reunite with her daughter.
Meanwhile, the family remains active, hoping that public and legal pressure will change the situation. "We haven't lived yet; we're still fighting," Valle emphasized, hopeful that his wife will soon be able to return home.
Understanding the Impact of Immigration Policies on Families
Why was Heydi Sánchez Tejeda deported despite being under supervision?
Heydi Sánchez Tejeda was deported after attending a routine appointment with ICE, despite living under an I-220B order of supervision, which typically allows individuals to remain in the US while deportation proceedings are ongoing.
What has been the impact on Heydi's daughter since the deportation?
Heydi's daughter has been struggling with eating and frequently calls for her mother, indicating the emotional distress caused by the separation.
What actions has the family taken to reunite with Heydi Sánchez Tejeda?
The family has protested publicly, sought assistance from a congresswoman, and reached out to political figures like Donald Trump to expedite the family reunification process.