On Tuesday, Cuban mother Elienay Estrada received the disheartening news that her request to stop her deportation, submitted on June 18, 2025, had been turned down. Classified as an I-220B case, she initially met with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in early June when her baby was only two months old. They scheduled her next annual appointment for June 2026, but shortly afterward, she was summoned back to the ICE offices.
In just one week, Estrada secured the services of attorney Irma Yanet Ramírez to avoid the fate of Heidy Sánchez Tejeda, who was deported to Cuba last April, leaving behind her breastfeeding toddler. In her plea to halt the deportation, Estrada's lawyer highlighted that she is in the process of family reunification and is the mother of a young baby, a U.S. citizen, who is not yet four months old. Despite these compelling reasons, they were not enough to stop her deportation process.
The notification of the denial came through the office of Cuban-American congressman Mario Díaz-Balart, even though Estrada initially sought help from her district representative, Carlos Giménez. According to Estrada, Giménez has been unresponsive. Conversely, Díaz-Balart's office informed her of the deportation halt denial even before ICE.
Despite the looming uncertainty, Estrada remains hopeful that her lawyer can reopen her case. In the meantime, she cherishes every moment with her baby. If deportation becomes inevitable, she plans to take her child to Cuba, viewing it as the lesser of two evils, although this is not the preferred option for the child’s father, who worries about their daughter's future in Cuba.
Estrada became a mother in Fort Myers in May. The deportation of Heidy Sánchez sparked significant attention, amplifying Estrada's case. She even reached out to Congressman Carlos Giménez's office, which expressed a willingness to help despite the tight time frame, with only five days before her ICE appointment.
Key Questions on Elienay Estrada's Deportation Case
Why was Elienay Estrada's deportation halt request denied?
Despite having a family reunification process ongoing and being the mother of a U.S. citizen baby, these reasons were not considered sufficient to stop her deportation.
Who informed Elienay Estrada about the denial of her deportation halt?
The denial was communicated to Estrada through the office of Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart, rather than directly from ICE.
What are Elienay Estrada's plans if she is deported?
If deported, Estrada plans to take her baby with her to Cuba, although it's not the preferred option for the child's father.