A Cuban mother has voiced her distress after her husband was detained by ICE agents in Houston, Texas, amidst a surge in immigrant arrests by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. In an emotional video, Alexa Batista recounted how her husband attended a routine ICE appointment, only to be told that one of them had to stay at the facility while the other was required to leave with their children and return another day without them.
Overwhelmed, the woman claimed that she was given a new appointment for November 6 and left in the dark about her husband's fate. "They treat me like a dog... they didn't even let me speak," she lamented. According to her account, several migrants were already in handcuffs at the time of the detention. After being separated from her family, she was instructed to leave with her children and come back on the specified date.
"They don't care if you have kids... they don't believe in anyone," she cried out, pleading for her husband to "walk out of that door." The mother described how she was unable to drive due to her hands shaking and awaited a friend to pick her up, repeatedly stating that she "has no life" after what happened.
"All the struggles we went through to get here... I nearly died at sea," she remarked, condemning the treatment she received and the lack of information regarding her husband's whereabouts and legal status. The forced separation and absence of answers have led to an emotional crisis for this Cuban mother, who was instructed to return without her children in November while her husband remains in custody.
This incident highlights the lack of transparency in these proceedings and their immediate human impact. A similar case recently drew attention on social media when Mariela Baullosa's husband was detained in San Antonio, Texas. Alberto Martínez, 30, also Cuban, attended a routine ICE appointment and never returned. Having crossed the Rio Grande and surrendered to immigration authorities in 2022, Alberto had no criminal record, held a work permit valid until 2030, and was in the process of legalizing his status through marriage to Mariela, who is a legal resident.
Despite these facts, he remains in ICE custody at a Texas detention center, awaiting a hearing scheduled for October 29. The plight of these families underscores the pressing need for more clarity and humanity in immigration procedures.
Understanding ICE Detentions
Why was Alexa Batista's husband detained by ICE?
He was detained during a routine appointment with ICE, which has been increasing immigrant arrests.
What are the conditions for detainees under ICE custody?
Detainees often face a lack of transparency and uncertainty about their legal status and the timeline for their hearings.
How has the community responded to these detentions?
There has been public outcry and support for transparency and humane treatment of detained immigrants.