A Cuban family has initiated a heartfelt GoFundMe campaign to prevent the deportation of Randy Mesa Padrón, a young barber who was detained by immigration authorities after attending a mandatory appointment related to his political asylum case. The campaign, titled “Let’s Help Randy,” has raised over $5,000 in just a few days, achieving 72% of the target needed to cover the legal expenses for his defense.
Organized by his wife, Roxana Peguero, the campaign seeks community support to stop Randy, 30, from being sent back to Cuba, where he fears for his safety and future. "If you know Randy or are close to his family, you understand he is an exceptionally kind person, a good friend, the type who doesn’t make noise but is always there," the campaign description states.
Randy arrived in the United States via the border in February 2022, hoping to build a new life. However, he was issued a Form I-220A, which granted him release under supervision but barred him from defending his asylum case before a judge. This controversial immigration status, criticized by human rights organizations, has left hundreds of Cubans in legal limbo as it is neither considered legal admission nor "parole," thus preventing them from applying for the Cuban Adjustment Act.
Currently detained by ICE, Randy’s family fears his imminent deportation. Last Tuesday, the judge handling his case closed his asylum petition without hearing him, and he was promptly detained and taken to a detention center in Pompano Beach, Broward County. "They are picking up everyone. They don't care about anything," his wife, also from Pinar del Río and a legal resident under the Cuban Adjustment Act, told CiberCuba. Through tears, she recounted that Randy had attended court with his lawyer, hoping to progress in his case. "They are clipping our wings," she lamented.
“We are doing everything possible to stop his deportation and resume his legal process,” Roxana explains. “If you can contribute anything, share this cause, or simply add your positive energy, we will be deeply grateful. Every little bit helps.”
In the first 24 hours under ICE custody, agents pressured Randy to sign his voluntary return to Cuba. He refused. His family claims he was warned that if he didn’t sign, he would be transferred to a detention center in another state and deported anyway, as there is already an expedited deportation order. "An officer told him this comes from above, that the president signed to close the courts en masse and expedite deportations. This is how they plan to meet the government's targets," recounted his sister, Dainerys Mesa.
As a barber by trade, Randy has never received a fine and dreamt of opening his own barbershop in Miami. He was married to his lifelong girlfriend, and together they were saving every dollar to buy a house and start anew. “He is a model person to live in any country in the world,” his sister noted.
Randy's story resonates deeply within the Cuban community, which is marked by displacement, the struggle to rebuild life in exile, and the constant uncertainty of the immigration process. The campaign has already received over 100 donations.
Key Questions About Randy Mesa Padrón's Case
What is the goal of the GoFundMe campaign for Randy Mesa Padrón?
The campaign aims to raise funds to cover the legal expenses necessary to prevent Randy Mesa Padrón's deportation and support his asylum case.
Why was Randy Mesa Padrón detained by ICE?
Randy was detained by ICE after attending a mandatory appointment related to his asylum case. Despite following procedures, his asylum petition was closed without being heard, leading to his detention.
What challenges do Cubans face with the I-220A immigration status?
The I-220A status leaves many Cubans in legal uncertainty, as it does not count as legal admission or parole, blocking them from applying for the Cuban Adjustment Act.