A heart-wrenching and intensely emotional moment was captured on video and shared across social media by Univision journalist Javier Díaz. A Cuban mother, overwhelmed with desperation and tears, knelt in a U.S. courtroom, pleading for her son not to be taken into custody. Despite her heartfelt appeal and the image of her son dressed in a suit and tie, immigration officers proceeded with the arrest. The young man was detained by ICE, the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and now faces imminent deportation.
“Absolutely heartbreaking,” Díaz expressed. “How many more Cubans need to be detained in the U.S.? Doesn't the president understand that Cuba is under a dictatorship? It's astonishing to see this happening to people who haven't committed any crimes and came here seeking freedom like so many others before.”
Amid Trump Administration, A Scene Highlighting the Immigration Crisis
This incident is not an isolated one but rather a stark example of the Trump administration's toughened stance on immigration. In his second term, President Donald Trump has reinforced a strict immigration policy, aiming to curb both border crossings and deport individuals already in the U.S., even if they have no criminal records.
Thousands of families from Cuba, Venezuela, Nicaragua, and other countries have arrived in recent years, seeking refuge from dictatorships and humanitarian crises. Now, they face raids, detentions, expedited proceedings, and swift deportations.
The case of this Cuban youth, whose identity remains undisclosed for privacy reasons, embodies the silent suffering of many migrant families watching their dreams of freedom and security crumble despite following legal procedures or living peacefully.
Cuban Migration History in Context
In his Facebook post, Díaz highlighted the Cuban migration history to the U.S., marked by the escape from communism, with generations arriving in search of freedom.
“He arrived just like you and your family did over 60 years ago… seeking freedom,” he wrote, referencing the countless Cuban exiles who found refuge decades ago.
However, the present context is vastly different. Under current policies, even those posing no threat—like this young man dressed to portray respect and assimilation—are being detained and deported. The image of a mother on her knees begging for her son has sparked outrage, sorrow, and debate across social media. For many, it symbolizes an immigration system that has ceased to listen, even when humanitarian reasons are evident.
Other Cuban Detentions by ICE
On July 7, ICE announced the arrest of Osmani Mompie, a Cuban citizen convicted of conspiracy to transport undocumented immigrants, as part of an operation by their New Orleans office.
According to official reports, Mompie was apprehended for involvement in activities that endangered others by facilitating illegal border crossings. ICE labeled him a “criminal” and warned that anyone in such a position should “expect arrest.”
A day later, the story of Mercedes Capaz emerged. A Cuban and U.S. citizen, she had voted for Trump, believing he would protect families, but now feels betrayed.
Her only son, Pedro González Capaz, has been detained by ICE for four months and faces deportation to Cuba after two decades in the United States.
“I feel so betrayed because I never thought he would do this to me. Not to me, not to many people,” she tearfully told Telemundo.
Since her son's arrest, her life has been consumed by prayers and anxiety: “I feel a jolt, fear something happened to him. And I start crying, kneeling, and crying to God. Since this happened, I have no life.”
González, 37, was detained on March 2 in his Key Largo, Florida home by immigration officers, despite complying with the I-220B supervision program and attending all his appointments.
“He wasn’t due for another appointment until April, but I was told this started with the new administration's changes,” explained Capaz.
Understanding the Impact of ICE's Policies on Cuban Families
Why was the Cuban mother pleading in court?
The Cuban mother was pleading in court to prevent her son from being detained and deported by ICE, despite having no criminal record.
How has the Trump administration impacted immigration policies?
The Trump administration has implemented stricter immigration policies, focusing on reducing border crossings and deporting individuals without criminal records.
What is the significance of the Cuban community's migration history in the U.S.?
The Cuban community's migration history in the U.S. is significant as it reflects a pursuit of freedom from communism, with many families arriving decades ago seeking refuge and liberty.