Randy Mesa Padrón, a young barber, recently shared his harrowing experience of being detained by immigration authorities during an asylum hearing. Following legal protocol, he appeared for his court appointment, only to be arrested by officers from the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
In a series of audio messages to the independent outlet El Toque, Mesa Padrón recounted the events of June 3rd, when he attended his second asylum hearing. The judge dismissed his case without hearing his attorney’s arguments, instructing him to wait instead. Shortly afterward, he was detained in the courthouse hallway by ICE officials.
"As soon as we stepped out, the officers were waiting in the hallway. They handcuffed me and took me, along with five others, through the back via the elevator and transported us in a van," the 30-year-old shared.
According to Mesa, no immigration officers were present when he first arrived for his appointment, and the judge instructed him to wait. It was only after ICE agents arrived that his case was denied, leading him to believe the detention was premeditated.
"They were waiting for the officers to be present to call us. It was all set up," he concluded.
Amid a depressive state and considerable uncertainty, Randy expressed his frustration: "I've been feeling really down because I'm not a criminal to be imprisoned here. I've been in this country for over three years, processed at the border, and there was no reason for this to happen again."
Having complied with all legal requirements, maintained a clean record, and worked with the necessary permits, Randy is disheartened by the treatment he's received. "Despite doing everything right, attending all court hearings, and having no criminal record, they treat us like prisoners," he lamented.
Randy's current confinement starkly contrasts with his initial experience at the border. "It's nothing like the minimal-security transit cell I was in at the border, which felt more like a camp. This is a prison," he described.
Randy entered the United States via the border in February 2022, seeking a fresh start. He was granted release under supervision with a Form I-220A but was unable to present his asylum case to a judge. This was his second court appearance, and despite being married to his Cuban girlfriend, now a resident through the Cuban Adjustment Act, Randy remains in a detention center in Pompano Beach, Broward County.
Within the first 24 hours of ICE custody, he faced pressure to sign a voluntary deportation to Cuba, which he refused. According to his family, officials warned him that without his signature, he would be transferred to another state's detention center and deported anyway due to an existing expedited removal order.
In response, his wife, Roxana Peguero, initiated a fundraiser titled "Help Randy" to cover his legal defense expenses, hoping to prevent his return to the island.
Understanding the Asylum Process and ICE Detentions
What is the significance of Form I-220A?
Form I-220A allows an individual to be released under supervision instead of being detained while their immigration proceedings continue. It imposes certain conditions that must be met as part of the release agreement.
Why might an asylum case be dismissed without a hearing?
An asylum case might be dismissed without a hearing if there are procedural issues, such as a lack of jurisdiction, or if the applicant fails to meet initial eligibility criteria. It can also occur due to administrative errors or expedited removal processes.
What are the options if ICE pressures someone to sign voluntary deportation?
If pressured to sign voluntary deportation, it's crucial to seek legal advice immediately. An immigration attorney can provide guidance on rights and potential legal defenses against removal.