A young Cuban father, who holds parole status, was recently detained by immigration authorities in Florida after attending an immigration appointment he hoped would lead to his legal residency. This case has sparked a wave of solidarity and raised questions about the treatment of non-criminal migrants in the United States.
A Routine Appointment Turns into Arrest
Ariel Lara González first arrived in the United States in 2018. After spending six months in detention, he was deported back to Cuba, where he was recognized as a political activist. In 2022, he managed to leave again and entered the U.S. through the Mexican border, where authorities granted him parole.
Two weeks ago, he attended an immigration hearing with hopes of being granted residency. Instead, he was arrested by agents from the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The administration claims this action was due to the fact that five years had not yet passed since his previous deportation—a technicality that, according to his defense, should not invalidate his current legal status.
Elena, his wife and the mother of his newborn, expressed her distress in an interview with Univision, saying, "The fear we are experiencing in the streets is terrible. He is not a criminal, he is not undocumented."
Family's Heartbreak and a Grandmother's Plea
The case gained attention on social media due to a poignant video posted by Instagram user klyndia.elena. In the video, Ariel’s grandmother tearfully pleads for her grandson's release, describing him as a hardworking, law-abiding young man devoted to his family.
"That boy woke up every day at one in the morning to deliver goods across the Keys. He never missed a day. He has no fixed work schedule," she stated, visibly distressed.
The elderly woman, who is ill, claims she will die of sadness. Her grandson is her only support, and despite her nervous condition, he would call her every morning and night to remind her to take her medication.
"He's fighting for his family and for me, day and night. All I ask is that they don't send him back to a country where he is in danger," she pleaded. Having lived in the U.S. for over two decades, she is a U.S. citizen.
She agrees with deporting criminals but argues against removing good people who came to the U.S. to work and fight for a better life. "When he arrived, the first thing I did was help him apply for asylum so he could live according to the law in this country. So why, I don't understand why they deceive him with promises of residency and then detain him," she detailed.
"He does not deserve this because he is not a criminal; he hasn't harmed anyone. Where are the human rights?" she questioned.
Allegations of Mistreatment and Legal Support
During a phone call with his wife, Ariel reported being mistreated during his detention in Florida, where he was held in isolation for three days without explanation or interrogation. He is currently detained in Texas, facing a process that could send him back to a country where he fears for his life.
Attorney Willie Allen argues that Ariel has the right to residency under the Cuban Adjustment Act, given that he entered with parole.
A Troubling Precedent
Ariel’s case has raised alarms among human rights advocates and Cuban immigrants in similar situations. Activists warn of an atmosphere of fear among those with valid immigration status who nonetheless face deportation risks due to technicalities or strict interpretations of the law.
Ariel's family is calling for justice and asking for his rights to be respected. His story humanizes the harsh realities of an increasingly aggressive immigration policy and raises an urgent question: Is this what those who come to the U.S. to work, love, and rebuild their lives deserve?
Key Questions about Ariel Lara González's Case
Why was Ariel Lara González arrested by ICE?
He was arrested because the administration claims that five years had not passed since his previous deportation, which they state is a requirement. However, his defense argues this should not affect his legal status.
What is the Cuban Adjustment Act?
The Cuban Adjustment Act allows Cuban natives or citizens who meet certain criteria to apply for legal permanent residence one year after being admitted or paroled into the United States.
How has Ariel's family reacted to his detention?
Ariel's family is deeply distressed, with his wife and grandmother publicly pleading for his release. They emphasize that he is not a criminal and highlight his dedication to family and work.