Fernando Fuertes Muñoz crossed into the United States three years ago at the border, receiving an I-220A document. On August 4th, his asylum case was dismissed by a judge, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers took him into custody as he exited the courthouse. Since then, he has been held at the Glades County Detention Center.
The news hit his family in Cuba hard. From Havana, his sister, Milena Fuertes Muñoz, is appealing to financially stable Cubans to contribute to a fundraising effort she has organized to pay for Fernando's legal representation.
Last Friday, Fernando underwent a credible fear interview, only to have his claim denied by an ICE officer. His defense team promptly filed a motion on Saturday for reconsideration, and they are currently awaiting a decision.
From Havana, Milena insists that her brother fled Cuba due to conflicts with the government, fearing imprisonment if deported. "What job opportunities would he have here?" she asked, visibly distressed.
According to Milena, speaking to CiberCuba, her 33-year-old brother left Cuba in 2022, traveling to Nicaragua before crossing multiple borders to reach the U.S. Like many other Cubans, he entered the country with an I-220A. At the time of his arrest, he was employed as a welder.
The Legal Limbo of I-220A Status
The I-220A immigration status leaves thousands of Cubans in legal uncertainty. Although attorney Willy Allen is optimistic about eventual legalization, he acknowledges that some will face hardships along the way, with Fernando being one such case.
By December, arguments will be ready for judges to decide whether the I-220A qualifies as a parole. A verdict is expected in January, and if it rules in favor of parole status, affected Cubans may immediately apply for the Cuban Adjustment Act, regardless of any appeal by the Trump Administration. Most of them have been in the U.S. for over a year and a day, making them eligible.
This critical decision looms near, but time is running out for Fernando. His sister's desperate plea for assistance underscores the urgency. "Every little bit helps, even a single dollar. We are grateful for anything," she expressed in a video sent from Havana.
Fernando's situation highlights the ongoing detentions of those with I-220A status, despite Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar's intervention, who claims her Dignity Act is the key to legalizing their status.
Understanding I-220A and Its Impact
What is an I-220A document?
The I-220A is a temporary release document issued to some immigrants, allowing them to remain in the U.S. under certain conditions while awaiting further legal proceedings.
Why was Fernando Fuertes Muñoz detained by ICE?
Fernando Fuertes Muñoz was detained by ICE after his asylum case was dismissed by a judge. ICE officers apprehended him as he left the courthouse.
What is the significance of the upcoming court decision on I-220A status?
The court's decision will determine if the I-220A is considered a parole, which could allow Cubans with this status to apply for the Cuban Adjustment Act, potentially legalizing their stay in the U.S.