Rogelio González Moya, a 26-year-old Cuban national, found himself in custody at the Krome Detention Center in Miami on June 23. This occurred after he attended a routine appointment with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), as reported by journalist Javier Díaz on social media.
“Another Cuban holding an I-220A document is now detained at Krome following a routine appointment,” Díaz noted on his Instagram account. He emphasized that González has “no criminal record” and has been gainfully employed in the U.S. as an ophthalmology technician.
González arrived in the United States in August 2022 and is under immigration supervision with the I-220A document. According to Díaz, during a bond hearing, the judge mentioned that González might remain detained for up to three more weeks. He is seeking a credible fear interview, yet this opportunity has not been granted thus far.
This incident adds to a growing list of recent detentions involving Cubans with I-220A in immigration courts and ICE offices, despite their lack of criminal history. Just two weeks ago, the arrest of Denis Durán Águila under similar circumstances sparked outrage, especially after images of his mother pleading on her knees for his release circulated on social media.
These detentions are happening amidst the immigration policies initiated by the Trump administration, which broadly categorize any undocumented immigrant as a criminal, making them subject to deportation regardless of their criminal history. “If an individual enters the United States illegally, they are, by definition, a criminal,” stated Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt in a past January statement.
Meanwhile, immigration attorney Willy Allen has clarified that not all I-220A holders are at risk. Some, he explained, “have the greatest blessing” as they are not required to report to ICE or attend court, while others remain under supervision and could face detention.
In a related development, Cuban-American Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar introduced her “Dignity Act 2025,” a bipartisan proposal aimed at legalizing immigrants without criminal records and with years of residency in the U.S., including those with I-220A.
Key Questions on Cuban Detentions and I-220A
What is the I-220A document?
The I-220A is a document that places certain individuals under immigration supervision, allowing them to remain in the United States under specific conditions while their cases are processed.
Why are Cubans with no criminal records being detained?
Despite having no criminal history, Cubans with I-220A are being detained due to broader immigration policies that classify undocumented immigrants as criminals, making them eligible for deportation.
What is the purpose of the Dignity Act 2025?
The Dignity Act 2025 aims to provide a legal pathway for immigrants without criminal records who have been residing in the United States for several years, including those with I-220A status.