Braving the chilly November air, a group of dedicated individuals gathered with candles in Clinton Square, Syracuse, to advocate for the release of Alcibiades Lázaro Ramírez González and Yannier Vázquez Hidalgo, a Cuban couple detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Since their detention, both have been held in a facility in western New York, awaiting hearings that will decide if they face deportation back to Cuba.
In Syracuse, they are known simply as Alex and Yan to their friends, colleagues, neighbors, and union supporters. These two men fled to the United States to escape homophobia and persecution, married, and established a stable life in Syracuse, only to now confront the threat of being sent back to a country where they fear for their safety.
The vigil on Monday, November 24, was spearheaded by the CSEA Local 615 union, representing one of the men, and drew over 80 participants, as reported by NYC Central.
Carrying signs that read "Freedom for Alex and Yan" and "Survival isn't illegal," attendees called on the federal government to end what they see as an arbitrary and inhumane detention.
"This shows that our voices are being heard not just at the state level but federally," remarked Ali Cottrell, the local union president, as she aimed to inspire hope within the family and urge Washington to act, especially as ICE detentions have increased under Donald Trump's administration.
Alexander Marion, the Syracuse city auditor, also participated in the vigil, emphasizing that the fight for the couple's return home will persist. "Alex and Yan are part of the Syracuse community, and we won't stop fighting until they're back," he shared on social media. "I was proud to stand alongside community allies, unions, and their family to demand their release and that of all unjustly detained individuals."
A Community Moved by Their Story
Alex and Yan's arrest on October 29 during a routine immigration appointment was unexpected, as they anticipated it would be the final step in securing residency. Instead, ICE agents detained them on the spot, leaving their car abandoned in the parking lot.
The news sparked immediate solidarity. Colleagues from SUNY Upstate Medical University, where they worked as a janitor and supervisor, describe the couple as "a beacon of light" who go out of their way to help others.
Unions such as UUP and CSEA have actively supported their cause; neighbors have organized protests, and friends have launched a campaign selling T-shirts with the message "Survival isn't illegal."
According to Syracuse.com, some demonstrators were visibly moved, noting that while the city gears up for the holiday season, many families will face empty chairs at their tables, with loved ones held in detention centers.
Mindy Heath, president of the UUP chapter in Upstate, attended a hearing in Batavia before the vigil and confirmed Alex's next hearing is set for January 13, while Yan's is on December 3. "We wanted them home for the holidays," she said. "But bringing them back is the ultimate goal. This won't stop us."
Heath shared with local media that following this case has made her realize "how unjust the judicial system can be" for asylum-seeking immigrants. "It's not normal, not at all. It's almost unbelievable," she expressed.
For their families, the prospect of deportation to Cuba represents a genuine threat. They have reported experiencing harassment, assault, and homophobia on the island, and returning would expose them to the same dangers from which they fled.
In the meantime, the Syracuse community vows to stand by their cause.
"We will remain here, on the streets, until they are back home," several demonstrators declared during the vigil. For them, Alex and Yan's story transcends that of a Cuban couple detained by ICE; it represents the plight of countless immigrants striving to survive in a nation that promised them refuge.
Understanding the Detention of Cuban Immigrants by ICE
Why were Alcibiades and Yannier detained by ICE?
Alcibiades and Yannier were detained by ICE during a routine immigration appointment, a step they believed would finalize their residency in the U.S. Instead, they were unexpectedly taken into custody.
What is the community doing to support the detained couple?
The community has shown strong support through vigils, protests, and campaigns, including selling T-shirts with messages advocating for their release. Local unions and colleagues are also actively involved in supporting their cause.
What are the implications of their potential deportation to Cuba?
If deported to Cuba, Alcibiades and Yannier face the threat of persecution, having previously experienced harassment, assault, and homophobia on the island.