A young Cuban woman who arrived in the United States ten months ago took to social media to share her distress over the detention of her husband during a routine check-in with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in San Antonio, Texas. "Good afternoon, everyone. I'm making this video to see if the community can help me," expressed Rosme, known on TikTok as @rosme.cubanita95. She detailed how her husband attended his scheduled appointment with ICE and was detained despite having an I-220A order and a court date set for 2027. According to her, he has a job, no criminal record, and is the family's breadwinner.
"Yesterday, his family and I pooled our money together and signed a contract with a lawyer right there in San Antonio," Rosme explained. She added that she is currently unemployed, had her parole revoked, and was processed by CBP One. "He is my support and that of my daughter. My daughter wasn't born here; I brought her from Cuba. We made the journey," she recounted. "I'm only making this video for you to help me share it. That's all I'm asking."
In a previous video shot in front of the ICE building in San Antonio, Rosme wrote, "My love, I only pray to God that you will be with us soon. You're not a criminal. Your family needs you." In a more personal post, she confessed, "That was my desperation when you were still by my side. Today, I only pray for you without losing faith because we want you with us. My soul is broken, only God knows."
The response on social media was immediate. Dozens of people left messages of support, many using crying emojis, prayer hands, and words of encouragement. "My God, this is beyond words," commented one user. "I can't believe it. Stay calm, don't lose hope, everything will be fine," advised another. "Oh Rosme, stay strong. I hope everything turns out well, have faith," added a follower. One person summed up the sentiment shared by many: "God is in control of this situation. We pray because many of us are suffering from this situation with immigrants. And many of us are honest and hardworking."
Some also expressed their outrage. "Rosme, don't they give any explanation for why they detained him just like that?" asked a user. Another reached out directly to influencer Dairon Cano for help: "Please, help her, she needs it, without work she has no one to take care of her child."
From her profile, Rosme expressed gratitude: "Thank you all, truly," and reiterated, "I only ask that you share, nothing more." Her story is not unique. Earlier this week, a Cuban mother recorded her son's detention by ICE at a Miami court. In Texas, another woman recounted how her husband was arrested following a similar appointment, while a mother tearfully spoke about her son, an electrician, also detained despite having no criminal record. An entire Cuban family was arrested in San Antonio after legally attending a hearing, and a Bolivian woman married to a naturalized Cuban was detained with her young children and released with an electronic bracelet.
These incidents occur amidst a widespread tightening of immigration policies in the United States. This week, the Trump administration canceled humanitarian parole for over 530,000 migrants, including 110,000 Cubans, and launched a campaign to encourage citizen reporting. Additionally, the Department of Homeland Security is promoting voluntary self-deportation with the promise of fines waived and a $1,000 stipend for those who leave using the CBP Home app.
"I now have no job, my parole is revoked... Let's see if there's any way you can at least help me share," Rosme urged. Her plea highlights the growing fear among Cuban migrants who, even with legal proceedings underway, see their stability in the United States becoming increasingly uncertain.
Understanding ICE Detentions and Immigrant Concerns
What is an I-220A order?
An I-220A order is a release on recognizance document issued by ICE, allowing an immigrant to reside in the U.S. while their immigration case is pending, without being held in detention.
Why are Cuban immigrants facing increased detentions?
Cuban immigrants are facing increased detentions due to stricter immigration policies under the Trump administration, which has led to the revocation of humanitarian parole and increased enforcement actions by ICE.
How can the community assist families affected by ICE detentions?
The community can assist by sharing stories to raise awareness, providing legal resources, supporting impacted families financially, and advocating for humane immigration policies.