Three Cuban individuals holding the I-220A form, which allows them to remain free while undergoing immigration proceedings, have been recently detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Two of these immigrants were apprehended after attending court appointments, while the third was arrested while working as a Lyft driver in Texas.
Journalist Javier Díaz from Univision 23 has been closely monitoring these cases and has raised concerns about a developing trend in the treatment of Cuban immigrants with I-220A status, who are reportedly having their cases dismissed and facing deportation orders.
Yasmani Guía Pablo: Lyft Driver Detained in Texas
Yasmani Guía Pablo, a native of Havana residing in Texas and working as a Lyft driver, was apprehended by a police officer while completing a ride in Williamson County. According to the detained Cuban's wife, the officer asked him in Spanish if he was Cuban and subsequently arrested him on suspicion of driving under the influence. The officer only conducted a pen-following test on the migrant, without administering any further sobriety or lab tests.
The police report claims Yasmani was allegedly seen leaving a corner where people were drinking alcohol, a claim his wife denies. She asserts that he is a Christian who does not consume alcohol and composes music for his church. Yasmani is currently held in an ICE detention center in San Antonio, Texas.
Pastor Michel Roque Armas: Routine ICE Appointment Leads to Arrest
Pastor Michel Roque Armas, originally from Pinar del Río, was detained in San Antonio, Texas, after attending a routine appointment with ICE, despite having a valid I-220A document with a court date set for 2027. His detention occurred in June, but his wife went public with his case last week after receiving a deportation order issued by an immigration judge.
The report indicates he has no criminal record, and his case is part of a series of detentions involving Cubans with active immigration processes. These migrants possess valid documents but are being arrested without clear explanations.
Rubén del Valle: Arrest Follows Court Case Dismissal
The most recent case involves Rubén del Valle, who was detained in Miami on September 12, immediately after a judge dismissed his immigration case during a hearing. Rubén was arrested right in the courtroom and is currently under ICE custody. He has until October 15 to appeal the judicial decision; otherwise, a deportation order will be issued, requiring him to leave the country.
These three incidents highlight growing concerns within the Cuban community in the United States. As of early 2024, it was estimated that over 380,000 Cubans held I-220A status, and according to activists and attorneys, many are facing uncertainty within the U.S. immigration system.
FAQs on Cuban Immigrants with I-220A Status
What is the I-220A form?
The I-220A form is a document that allows immigrants to remain free while they undergo immigration proceedings in the United States.
Why are Cuban immigrants with I-220A being detained?
There appears to be a developing trend where Cuban immigrants with I-220A status are having their cases dismissed and facing deportation orders without clear explanations, causing concerns among the community.
What can detained immigrants do if their case is dismissed?
Detained immigrants have the option to appeal the judicial decision within the given timeframe; otherwise, they may face deportation orders requiring them to leave the country.