Two Cuban siblings who took part in the July 11, 2021 (11J) protests in Cuba are currently in the custody of the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), according to Cuban activist Cristhian González, as reported by Martí Noticias. The brothers, Liosmel Sánchez and Liosbel Sánchez, are being held in immigration detention centers in Arizona. Liosbel is in the Florence detention center, while his brother has been moved to another facility.
The possibility of deportation back to Cuba has sparked concern among activists and the exiled community. González shared that the siblings arrived in the U.S. on December 3, 2024, after spending a year in Mexico and entering through the CBP One process. Once on American soil, they applied for political asylum, attended court hearings, and complied with immigration procedures. However, on May 20, 2025, after a court hearing where their case was dismissed, ICE agents detained them outside the courthouse.
Allegations of Due Process Violations
The activist highlighted irregularities in their case, emphasizing that they were not afforded the right to communicate with their attorney during credible fear interviews. Liosmel's interview was conducted on a Sunday at 6:30 a.m. without prior legal consultation, which González termed a severe breach of due process. Liosbel is facing a similar situation, with attempts to conduct his interview without his lawyer's presence.
González argued that they possess evidence of their participation in the 11J protests and political persecution in Cuba. "Sending them back to the island would be a sentence to imprisonment," González warned, urging Cuban-American congress members to take action in their case.
The Broader Context of Political Persecution
In Cuba, Liosmel was a medical student, up to his third or fourth year, and both brothers were active in the 11J protests, openly criticizing the Cuban regime. This made them targets of State Security harassment. González claims that his own association with them led to threats against him, highlighting the level of persecution they faced on the island.
The activist stressed that the Sánchez siblings have no criminal records and have not broken any U.S. laws, merely seeking to rebuild their lives away from repression. "We are not asking for magic; we just want due process to be respected," he stated.
Similar Cases of Cuban Protesters
The plight of the Sánchez brothers is not unique. In September 2024, José Antonio Cue Monzón, another Cuban involved in the 11J protests in Cárdenas, Matanzas, was reported on. Cue was sentenced to 10 years in Cuba for "sabotage" and "public disorder." He brought court documents as proof of his political persecution.
Recently, the case of exiled rapper El Funky, known for his role in the protest anthem "Patria y Vida," also surfaced. In May 2025, he disclosed on social media that he had "30 days to leave the country or face deportation" after living in the U.S. for three years. El Funky was targeted in Cuba for his activism, collaboration with the San Isidro Movement, and associations with opposition figures Maykel Osorbo and Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara. Since arriving in the U.S. in 2021, he has continued to criticize the Cuban regime through his music, including tracks like "Paro Nacional" and "Warrior," dedicated to political prisoners.
Frequently Asked Questions on Cuban Protesters Facing Deportation
Why are the Sánchez brothers facing deportation?
The Sánchez brothers are facing deportation after their asylum case was dismissed by the court. They are being detained by ICE, which has raised concerns due to their participation in the 11J protests and the political persecution they faced in Cuba.
What irregularities have been reported in their case?
It has been reported that the Sánchez brothers were denied access to their attorney during credible fear interviews, conducted at inconvenient times without prior legal consultation, which is viewed as a violation of due process.
How have activists and the community responded?
Activists and the exiled community have expressed alarm and are urging Cuban-American congress members to intervene, emphasizing the potential dangers the brothers face if deported to Cuba.