Two Cuban nationals in possession of the I-220A form were identified among a group detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on Wednesday at the Miami immigration court, as reported by journalist Javier Díaz on Instagram. Díaz revealed that over 10 Cubans carrying the I-220A were arrested that morning, according to a fellow Cuban attending his own immigration hearing.
"He attempted to record the events, but an officer reprimanded him," Díaz noted, urging his followers to assist in confirming the identities of those detained. Later, Díaz confirmed that Denis Durán Águila and Elmer Sánchez were among those taken into custody.
Both individuals had the I-220A form, which is issued to migrants released while awaiting immigration proceedings, yet it does not grant a stable legal status. Durán Águila, a young real estate agent, was involved in one of the day's most poignant moments when his mother knelt in tears before ICE officers, pleading for her son's release.
"Simply heartbreaking," Díaz wrote, having already shared the now-viral video of the incident on social media. Despite his mother's pleas, the young man was detained. Meanwhile, Sánchez's wife confirmed his arrest. Sánchez, who arrived in the United States in 2022, also carried the I-220A, and no criminal history has been reported in his case.
Community Reactions: A Mixture of Sympathy and Apathy
Díaz also criticized some Cubans in the United States for celebrating these arrests. "The saddest part is seeing some Cubans rejoice," he criticized, highlighting the lack of empathy within a community that has historically sought refuge in the U.S.
Images of a mother on her knees and a young man in a suit being detained have ignited debate online, with many pointing out the hypocrisy of policies that target those arriving under similar circumstances to earlier generations fleeing communism.
Challenging Current Immigration Policies
Javier Díaz harshly criticized the current immigration policies, emphasizing their impact on individuals without criminal records who have fled dictatorships like Cuba's. "How many more Cubans need to be detained in the United States? Doesn't the president recognize that there's a dictatorship in Cuba?" he emphasized.
This tightening of immigration policy is part of President Donald Trump's agenda in his second term, with frequent raids, court detentions, and deportations of individuals previously admitted under programs like the I-220A or I-220B.
Recent Detentions Highlight Growing Concerns
Wednesday's incident adds to a series of recent detentions involving Cuban nationals. Last week, the dramatic case of Mercedes Capaz was highlighted. Capaz, a Cuban who voted for Trump, has her son under ICE custody for four months after living in the U.S. for two decades. "Since then, I have no life," she lamented to Telemundo, regretting how her vote backfired.
These events reflect the growing fear within the Cuban community in the U.S., particularly among those with pending immigration cases and carrying documents like the I-220A. The uncertainty, fear, and images of weeping mothers in courts usher in a new chapter of the immigration drama.
Understanding the I-220A Form and Its Implications
What is the I-220A form?
The I-220A form is issued to migrants released while their immigration process is pending. However, it does not confer a stable legal status.
Why were Denis Durán Águila and Elmer Sánchez detained?
Denis Durán Águila and Elmer Sánchez were detained as part of an ICE operation targeting individuals with the I-220A form, despite having no reported criminal history.
How has the Cuban community reacted to these detentions?
The Cuban community's reactions have been mixed, with some expressing sadness and others showing indifference or even support for the detentions.