"They took the good with the bad," laments Daniel Durán Águila, brother of Denis Durán, a young Cuban among over ten migrants with I-220A forms arrested this week at the Miami immigration court by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The incident has sparked widespread sympathy on social media, following the release of a video by Univision journalist Javier Díaz. The footage captures the heart-wrenching moment when Denis's mother, in tears, knelt before American officers, begging them not to take her son away.
Dressed in a suit and tie, Denis attended what was initially scheduled as a virtual immigration appointment, only to find it had been unexpectedly changed to an in-person meeting. Upon arrival, he was detained without any clear explanation, according to his family. He is currently held at Alligator Alcatraz prison in Florida, alongside other Cubans arrested that day.
"There's no obvious reason why my brother was detained," Daniel shared in an interview with Univision. "We believe that amidst this ongoing wave of immigrant arrests, he was randomly caught in a raid. But there's no probable cause for his detention."
Daniel emphasizes that his brother has been law-abiding since arriving in the U.S. "From the first year, he sought employment, has been paying taxes for three years, maintains a clean criminal record, and is studying to work in real estate. His goal is to buy a house, like anyone aspiring to improve their life."
A Mother's Desperate Plea
The most poignant moment unfolded in front of other migrants: a Cuban mother kneeling in court, pleading for her son. This image has stirred outrage and sorrow among Cubans both on and off the island.
Daniel recounts, "I'm currently in a prayer chain with all the churches and friends aware of the situation... We didn't see this coming. It's unjust what's happening."
The Durán family, like many Latino migrants, once saw Donald Trump as a beacon of economic recovery for the U.S., never anticipating the harsh impact of his immigration policies. "Many Cubans voted for Trump, hoping for economic change, not for immigrant expulsions. His animosity towards the Cuban community is neither justified nor well-founded."
As a legal U.S. resident, Daniel now calls for awareness and fair case reviews, urging a focus on genuine societal threats rather than hardworking, law-abiding individuals. "They're detaining many who contribute to the economy. By deporting such individuals, they're harming themselves as a country."
Hope for Justice Amidst Widespread Fear
Denis's case is not unique. Recent reports indicate the arrest of other Cubans under I-220A and B programs, who have no criminal records, inciting fear and frustration among communities that sought freedom and refuge in the U.S. from oppression.
For Daniel and his family, hope rests on justice and the possibility of Denis being released on bail to continue his immigration process freely. "We don't want special treatment, just fairness. Recognize who people truly are. Don't destroy families just to meet a quota."
Understanding the Impact of ICE Arrests on Cuban Families
Why was Denis Durán arrested by ICE?
Denis Durán was arrested by ICE during a changed immigration appointment without a clear reason, as per his family's account. It is believed he was caught in a broad wave of immigrant arrests.
What has been the reaction to the video of Denis's mother pleading?
The video of Denis's mother pleading on her knees in court has evoked strong emotions, causing outrage and sorrow among Cubans both in the U.S. and in Cuba.