A young Cuban man, Liosbel Sánchez, who participated in the July 11, 2021 protests, has regained his freedom in the United States following four months under the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This development was confirmed on Monday by activist Cristhian González de la Moneda, known on social media as San Memero, who led a solidarity campaign to prevent the deportation of the Sánchez brothers.
"I am pleased to announce that after four months of fighting the case, one of the young men has been released by ICE. Thanks to his attorney, who made this possible. Liosbel Sánchez, welcome to freedom," González wrote on social media platform X, sharing a photo with the newly freed young man, both smiling.
The Legal Struggle and Isolation
Liosbel and his brother, Liosmel, were detained by ICE on May 20, 2025, after attending an immigration hearing in Arizona. Since then, they have been caught in a legal limbo, raising concerns within the Cuban exile community about the possibility of their return to Cuba, where they could face imprisonment for their involvement in the 11J protests.
In response, González launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds for the costly legal defense of the brothers. "They have no family in the United States and are practically alone. They are at risk of being sent back to their country. We need help to cover part of the legal expenses," he explained when announcing the fundraiser.
A Case Highlighting Exile Vulnerability
The release of Liosbel offers relief to his family and the activists who have supported the case, although his brother Liosmel remains in detention. This situation underscores the challenges many Cuban asylum seekers in the U.S. face as they flee repression on the island, only to confront new legal battles to avoid deportation.
The arrest of the Sánchez brothers added to a growing list of similar incidents involving 11J protesters at risk of deportation. Among them is the dissident rapper El Funky, known for the song "Patria y Vida," who recently secured permanent residency in the United States after months of warnings about possible deportation.
Meanwhile, activists and organizations assert that the priority must be ensuring that no 11J protester is returned to Cuba, where they could face prison and reprisals for their pursuit of freedom.
Understanding the Challenges Faced by Cuban Protesters
Why were Liosbel and Liosmel Sánchez detained by ICE?
Liosbel and Liosmel Sánchez were detained by ICE after attending an immigration hearing in Arizona. They were involved in the July 11, 2021 protests in Cuba, which put them at risk of deportation back to Cuba.
What actions were taken to assist the Sánchez brothers?
Activist Cristhian González de la Moneda initiated a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds for the legal defense of the Sánchez brothers, highlighting their lack of family support in the U.S. and the dangers they face if returned to Cuba.
What is the significance of Liosbel Sánchez's release?
Liosbel Sánchez's release is significant as it provides relief to his supporters and highlights the ongoing legal struggles of Cuban asylum seekers in the U.S. It also emphasizes the need to protect 11J protesters from deportation.