The situation involving Alcibiades Lázaro Ramírez González and Yannier Vázquez Hidalgo, a Cuban couple detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in New York, has sparked a wave of solidarity among coworkers, unions, and Syracuse residents who are advocating for their immediate release and an end to their deportation to Cuba.
Both men, who are part of the Environmental Services team at SUNY Upstate Medical University, were apprehended on October 29 during a routine immigration appointment, just two months after their marriage in the United States. They have since been held in a detention center in Batavia, awaiting court hearings scheduled for November 12 and 17.
Local news outlet CNY Central reported that colleagues and union representatives have come together to call for their release and to protest the treatment they have received from immigration authorities.
Ashley Clark, a friend and coworker of the couple, shared with the media that both men "give their all to help others," and their detention has caused significant distress among those who know them.
Community and Union Support Intensifies
Clark has launched a support campaign that includes collecting letters of recommendation, organizing a public demonstration, and selling T-shirts featuring a heart and the phrase "survival isn't illegal" on the back.
"They are not criminals; they came here to survive," Clark stated, describing them as a "beacon of light" at work and noting that both were valued for their work ethic and solidarity.
The couple is represented by the United University Professions (UUP) and the Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA), which have supported community protests. This week, several colleagues, along with local activists, gathered outside the federal building in Syracuse to demand their return and call for more humane treatment of detained immigrants.
Fear of Return to Cuba
Family members of Alcibiades and Yannier emphasize that the men fled Cuba to escape persecution and homophobia, and that returning to the island would endanger their lives. "There is no protection or justice for them there," a close relative warned.
Support continues to grow both within and outside New York state. For many, the story of this Cuban couple symbolizes the contradiction between the values of freedom the United States claims to uphold and the immigration policies that currently threaten those seeking precisely that freedom.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Detention of Cuban Couple in New York
Why were Alcibiades and Yannier detained by ICE?
Alcibiades and Yannier were detained during a routine immigration appointment, despite being legally married in the United States two months prior.
What actions have been taken to support their release?
Supporters have organized a campaign that includes collecting recommendation letters, holding public demonstrations, and selling T-shirts with supportive messages to raise awareness and advocate for their release.
What risks do they face if deported back to Cuba?
Their families assert that returning to Cuba would expose them to persecution and homophobia, posing a significant risk to their safety and lives.