Cuban Woman in the U.S. Calls for Support After ICE Detains Young Cuban: "It Could Happen to Anyone"

A Cuban migrant in the United States, known on TikTok as @susaily, has released a video expressing her deep concern over the recent arrest of a young Cuban man by ICE following his appearance at an immigration court hearing. Visibly emotional, she shared that the situation hit close to home because the young man "grew up in my neighborhood, his mother is a dear friend of mine, his older brother is a close friend of my husband, and they took him away when he went to court."

In her heartfelt message, she described Orlando—affectionately called Orly—as a "kind-hearted young man with a baby, a family man, a good brother, son, and husband... not just because I say so, but because the whole community does." She also revealed that she and her husband share the same immigration status, stating, "I am I-220A, my husband is too. He has a court date. We have a baby. What they're going through, we could go through as well."

Urging the Cuban community to rally around Orly's case, she encouraged sharing the video widely on social media, saying, "I trust my town's people will share this. We've come together before for Roger and the truckers, remember? It's not about comparing cases, but the reach those videos had." Her goal is to ensure that "this video reaches those who need to see it because action is needed concerning the I-220A cases."

Her plea resonated strongly online, prompting a wave of support and fear among fellow migrants with I-220A. Many shared their own stories and anxieties. "My husband, daughter, son-in-law, and I all have I-220A with court dates… now I have a citizen granddaughter, and this is the main topic in my house," one woman commented. Another user recounted crossing the same border as her brother and neighbors, who received parole while she got I-220A, questioning, "So what exactly is I-220A?" Echoing a shared sentiment, many noted, "Today it was Orly; tomorrow it could be me."

Even voices outside the immigration process chimed in. A legal resident for years expressed, "I worry daily for all the I-220A holders… everyone deserves a chance." Another comment lamented, "We're being treated like criminals. We're doing everything right, paying taxes, yet we're stuck in limbo."

Recently, Orlando Delgado was detained after attending his immigration hearing in Broward, Florida. He had sought political asylum following his involvement in the 11J protests in Cuba, reporting surveillance and threats from State Security before his emigration. His only immigration document was the I-220A, granting temporary freedom but lacking protection against deportation. His wife stated, "He can't return to Cuba. He was watched, threatened, and now they want to send him to Mexico," in a local interview.

Legal Challenges and Dire Conditions

Legal experts have highlighted the precarious nature of the I-220A status. Attorney Liudmila Marcelo informed CiberCuba that cases are being dismissed, and individuals detained on the spot in court. She criticized some judges for discontinuing video appearances, which forces migrants to be present physically, thus increasing the risk of detention. Marcelo warned of this judicial shift in Miami and Orlando.

Meanwhile, new tax legislation, pushed by former President Trump, has significantly increased immigration-related costs. Lawyer Willy Allen noted, "The appeal fee rose from $110 to $900, and requesting a waiver can cost up to $2,550," as reported to this platform.

Detention centers face alarming conditions. Families of Cuban detainees at Krome have reported overcrowding, poor sanitation, and limited access to basic resources. One woman claimed, "There are over 120 people in one room, with nowhere to sleep, some even on the floor." These accounts contradict official statements about the detention center's conditions.

"This Could Happen to Any of Us"

The fear is palpable among thousands of Cubans sharing the same immigration status. On TikTok, some have shared stories of living in the U.S. for over three years, working and paying taxes without any path to regularization. "What I couldn't achieve in 47 years in Cuba, I did in three here," one migrant shared, adding that while his son receives college offers, he can't attend without residency.

Through her video, @susaily has captured this collective anxiety. "Just as it happened to him, it could happen to us, and it could happen to anyone," she said. "Let's support each other, Cuban community. Together, we can make a difference."