CubaHeadlines

Heartfelt Plea from Cuban Woman After ICE Detains Her Husband: "Share Your Stories to Amplify Our Voices"

Wednesday, June 18, 2025 by Amelia Soto

In a moving account, Laura Yanet García, a young resident from Jacksonville, shared the distressing experience of her husband's arrest by ICE agents in Orlando this past Tuesday. Her husband, a Cuban with an I220-A, was detained, prompting García to urge others in similar situations to voice their experiences on social media, fostering community support and visibility.

"I encourage you all to share your stories. Let's make this issue more visible and fight for our rights. It's not about assigning blame, but about uniting as the Latino community we are, fleeing from what we left behind," she passionately expressed in a TikTok video. "We came here to work, to grow, to secure a future for our children and ourselves. What they are doing to us is unjust. Please, tell your stories," she added.

Detention Following Court Hearing

Laura Yanet's husband was apprehended immediately after attending his first immigration court hearing since arriving in the U.S. Despite having an I220-A, his asylum case was dismissed. Visibly shaken, Laura Yanet recounted the courtroom events in a TikTok video. She noted that the judge first addressed cases with legal representation before moving on to those without, including her husband’s.

"What did the judge do? He scheduled hearings for 2026 for five or six individuals. Then he whispered to those seated beside him that everyone else in the room was on 'the list.' I understood enough English to catch what he said, and it seemed very odd," Laura Yanet explained. The subsequent individual also had their case dismissed, informed that the government had the right to do so, though they could appeal.

"This continued with the next four until it was my husband’s turn. Each time someone exited, ICE officers were stationed outside," she recounted, her voice breaking. "When we left, and my husband’s case was dismissed too, about four or five ICE officers were waiting, and they took him away. I pleaded with them not to, explaining we have a one-year-old daughter, that we’re from Jacksonville and in Orlando without means to return since he drives and I don’t," she shared.

"ICE Is Doing Whatever It Wants"

Though treated kindly by the officers, Laura Yanet was told they couldn't intervene as it was beyond their control. They mentioned she might hear back the same day regarding what would happen next.

"My husband pays taxes, has his work permit, his asylum is in order, he has no criminal record, nothing at all—he's an exemplary citizen, yet they dismissed his case for being on a so-called list," she lamented. "Where did this list come from? What happened to freedom, the country that talks so much about liberty? Weren't they only going after criminals? To my knowledge, neither he nor many in that room are criminals," she protested.

"ICE is doing whatever it pleases, so be cautious," she concluded.

In a calmer follow-up video, Laura Yanet thanked everyone for their support. She mentioned her husband had called her but had not yet been processed or informed of his charges, only knowing he would be transferred to Miami. Laura Yanet is actively seeking legal help, though lawyers can't proceed until he is settled in a facility, where they can handle bail or appeals within the 30-day timeframe.

Although not a deportation order, the situation remains challenging. Her case is one among many, forming a growing and heart-wrenching narrative of families torn apart and left in despair. Despite public outcry against the restrictive immigration policies of the Trump Administration and ongoing legal challenges, the intent from the U.S. government appears unwavering: deportation or self-deportation as the ultimate goal.

A New Directive: Deportations Without Hearings

This new trend may stem from a January memo issued by the DHS, instructing agents to consider expedited deportations for individuals who have been in the country for less than two years. "Take all necessary steps to review the foreign national's case and, at your discretion, consider applying expedited removal. This may include terminating pending processes," the document states.

This directive, paired with a recent decision by the agency overseeing immigration appeals, mandates the detention of recent arrivals, even those under humanitarian programs like humanitarian parole.

Understanding ICE Detentions and Deportations

What is an I220-A form?

An I220-A form is a document issued to certain immigrants, allowing them to temporarily remain in the U.S. while their case is processed. It does not guarantee asylum or prevent detention.

Why are ICE detentions following court hearings becoming more common?

Recent directives from DHS have encouraged expedited deportations without hearings for individuals in the U.S. for less than two years, leading to increased detentions after court appearances.

What rights do detainees have during ICE detentions?

Detainees have the right to legal representation, although not at the government's expense, and can appeal their cases. However, recent changes have complicated these processes, especially for new arrivals.

© CubaHeadlines 2025