A Cuban national named Maikel Amador Díaz was taken into custody by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents on July 9 after attending his initial asylum hearing at an immigration court in Orlando. According to journalist Javier Díaz, Amador Díaz, who was carrying an I-220A document, is currently held at the Krome Detention Center, located southwest of Miami.
Amador Díaz legally entered the United States in March 2022. Since his arrival, he has maintained a clean record and worked in the construction industry. Back in Cuba, he was a farmer but was compelled to leave due to arbitrary seizures by the government and repeated fines that undermined his economic stability.
He is facing a deadline of August 8 to appeal the judge's decision, leaving him in a race against time with the threat of deportation looming. Members of the community warn that similar incidents may become more common given the current U.S. immigration landscape, where authorities are increasingly focused on enforcing immigration laws, even against individuals with no criminal background.
"I don't intend to scare anyone or create panic as some comments suggest. This is the reality of what is happening, and it's my duty as an immigrant to inform most of you: good people," stated Javier Díaz, encouraging immigrants to seek legal avenues to regularize their status and stay informed and prepared.
Increased Arrests During Asylum Appointments
Amador Díaz's detention is part of a growing trend of arrests during asylum appointments, even for those holding I-220A permits. Between March and June 2025, at least 18 Cubans with I-220A documents were detained after attending immigration appointments in South Florida, sparking concern among the local Cuban community and immigration lawyers. These actions have been seen as part of a tightening of U.S. immigration policies.
The I-220A form is a document confirming the release of an individual from immigration custody under specific conditions, but it does not grant legal status. In recent years, thousands of Cubans have received this document after crossing the Mexican border, with many applying for asylum or seeking other ways to regularize their stay in the U.S. However, federal judges have ruled that the I-220A cannot be used to apply for permanent residency under the Cuban Adjustment Act.
The situation for Cubans with this immigration status is concerning, as a recent report indicates that nearly 550,000 Cubans in the United States could face deportation risk due to the lack of clear pathways to regularization and the new measures under President Donald Trump, which include the indefinite suspension of humanitarian parole programs.
Impact of U.S. Immigration Policies on Cuban Nationals
Why was Maikel Amador Díaz detained by ICE?
He was detained by ICE agents after attending his initial asylum hearing in Orlando, despite holding an I-220A document.
What is the I-220A document?
The I-220A is a document that indicates a person's release from immigration custody under specific conditions but does not provide legal status.
What challenges are Cuban nationals facing in the U.S. under current policies?
Many Cubans encounter the risk of deportation due to unclear regularization pathways and policy changes such as the suspension of humanitarian parole programs.
How have U.S. immigration policies tightened recently?
There has been an increase in enforcements, such as arrests during asylum appointments, reflecting a broader policy shift towards stricter immigration control.