Enrique arrived in the United States seeking freedom, but today he lives under the constant fear of losing everything. Since entering with his family in 2021, this 40-year-old Cuban, who prefers not to disclose his last name, has been living under the cloud of immigration uncertainty. Although he hasn't been detained, he is acutely aware that his situation could shift at any moment.
Enrique possesses an I-220A document, which is an order of release on recognizance that doesn’t provide legal immigration status, leaving him susceptible to being apprehended by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at any time. As a precautionary yet painful measure, Enrique has decided to prepare wills and notarized powers of attorney to shield his wife and son should he be detained. Each document cost him nearly $200. He also withdrew his savings from the bank, retaining only the necessary amount for basic expenses, and appointed a friend to manage his assets.
“You can't sleep with these worries, this fear that I can't control, that's beyond my reach, because it's not just about me, it's about my family. Tomorrow, heaven forbid, you get caught in a raid, thrown into a hole, and no one knows where you are, and you lose everything, your life is over,” he told El País.
His situation is far from unique. According to the Florida Immigrant Coalition (FLIC), entire migrant communities are devising contingency plans to cope with potential detentions. The organization offers informational packets with constitutional rights, emergency contacts, and community workshops to prepare families for potential detainment scenarios.
Since January 20, when Donald Trump returned to the White House, the Republican leader has granted ICE expanded powers to rapidly deport immigrants with temporary permits like parole or CBP One, impacting thousands of Cubans and more than 1.4 million people who entered since 2023. In March, his administration rescinded humanitarian parole, leaving over 530,000 beneficiaries in limbo, many of whom had already begun building a new legal life in the U.S. The move has sparked alarm throughout the Cuban community, which has already been facing a significant uptick in immigration detentions.
Trump also advanced the so-called “Operation Safeguard,” a crackdown that has resulted in nearly 150,000 ICE detentions so far in 2025. Simultaneously, his administration approved a massive $80 billion budget, with $45 billion allocated to expand and operate immigrant detention centers until 2029. Organizations and experts warn that these policies are “destroying communities” and fostering a pervasive atmosphere of fear, even among those who pose no threat to national security.
The Center for Democracy in the Americas (CTDC) described the current immigration climate for Cubans in the United States as a “storm of pressures.”
Understanding the Impact of U.S. Immigration Policies on Cuban Migrants
What is the I-220A document?
The I-220A is an order of release on recognizance that allows a person to remain in the U.S. temporarily but does not grant legal immigration status, making them vulnerable to arrest by ICE.
How have Trump's policies affected Cuban migrants?
Trump's policies have increased the risk of rapid deportation for Cuban migrants, revoked humanitarian parole for many, and led to a significant rise in immigration detentions, creating widespread fear and instability.
What measures are Cuban communities taking in response to these threats?
Cuban communities are creating contingency plans, preparing legal documents, and participating in workshops to prepare for potential detentions and safeguard their families' futures.