A young Cuban woman, who wishes to remain anonymous, was apprehended by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) as she was leaving her workplace, despite having a valid work permit and having applied for residency two years prior. Although the Matter of Q. Li generally necessitates defending such cases while detained and without bail, she was released on bond, fitted with an ankle monitor, fifteen days ago after spending a month in an immigration detention center. According to immigration attorney Liudmila Marcelo, her situation is relatively fortunate under current circumstances.
Speaking to CiberCuba from Phoenix, Arizona, the young woman recounted her ordeal. "I was detained right in front of my workplace as I was leaving the parking lot. They asked if I had documents to work, I showed my work permit, my 'social,' and they arrested me simply because I haven't received my residency that I applied for two years ago," she shared via WhatsApp voice messages.
In her experience, the detention center was a harsh environment where she encountered numerous other detained women from various nationalities. "On the first day, you have a hard time because they leave you in a cold room with aluminum seats, no blankets or anything, for 12 hours. That's how it is until you're processed inside. The food in the dining hall isn't good," she described. "You're allowed outside for two hours a day, but with the heat, it's almost unbearable. It's essentially like a prison. Between the lawyer and the bond, it cost $6,000. I was detained for a month and released about two weeks ago."
"They released me with an ankle monitor. I can't travel more than an hour away from home, and now I have to wait for my next appointment. I don't know when they'll remove the monitor. I had already applied for asylum, had a work permit through asylum, then received a work permit for residency, my social, but they closed a court case," she explained.
"I have to wait for the next appointment and see if my residency comes through or what else I need to do. All my court cases are closed. They claimed I had an ICE arrest warrant, but I never received any notification, and nothing like that appeared in court either."
The young woman entered the United States on July 26, three years ago. She initially had an I-220A, then moved to I-220B, and is currently under I-220R, a status granted to those who attend an ICE appointment.
Understanding ICE Detention and Residency Applications
What is the Matter of Q. Li in immigration cases?
The Matter of Q. Li is a legal precedent that requires certain immigration cases to be defended while the individual is detained, and without the option of bail.
What are the challenges faced by immigrants in detention centers?
Immigrants in detention centers often face harsh conditions, including inadequate food, limited outdoor time, and lack of proper accommodations, making it a difficult experience similar to being in prison.
What is the I-220R status in U.S. immigration?
The I-220R status is a designation given to individuals who comply with specific requirements set by ICE, such as attending a scheduled appointment, while they await further immigration proceedings.