The distress of a Cuban family has been laid bare following the arrest of Daniel Reyes Acosta, a 29-year-old with an I-220A form. He was detained on Tuesday by a Florida Highway Patrol officer in West Palm Beach and subsequently handed over to ICE, despite having no violations or criminal history.
"I'm terrified of going to work and facing the same fate. Who will take care of my child if I'm detained too?" expressed Reyes’ wife in an interview with journalist Javier Díaz from Univision. She also holds an I-220A and lives each day in fear that what happened to her husband could happen to her.
The arrest of Reyes, who possesses a work permit, a Real ID valid until 2029, and a spotless record, has sparked outrage among Cubans in Florida. They see these operations as targeted detentions against individuals with I-220A, even when they have not committed any crime.
The officer responsible for the arrest reportedly told the family that the system flagged the license plate because the owner "was not a citizen or resident" and had a pending immigration case.
The wife emphasizes that her family sought refuge in the United States for protection, not conflict. For her, the arrest signifies not only the potential deportation of her husband but also the threat of their American-born child being left without support. "This shatters you inside. I can't find the words. It's destroying us," she confessed, visibly shaken.
Reyes, who was detained in Cuba after the protests on July 11, 2021, had managed to rebuild part of his life in the U.S. He started his own window installation business, works legally, and takes care of his young son. His family maintains that he is a well-integrated, law-abiding man with no negative history whatsoever.
The young man's uncle, who went to retrieve the vehicle, described the scene as a mix of respect and devastation. "They treated him well, but they took him away. He hadn't done anything," he remarked.
Like hundreds of other Cubans with I-220A closely following this case, the wife pleads for help and appeals for humanity. She insists that they have nothing left but faith. "Pray, ask God. We came here to work, not to commit crimes. We just want a chance."
As Reyes remains in detention, his family lives on the edge of fear, constantly worried that any one of them could be the next to be arrested. An entire community shares this fear, uncertain if the same patrol will come knocking on their door tomorrow.
Understanding ICE Detentions and I-220A
What is an I-220A form?
An I-220A form is a document issued by ICE that allows individuals to remain in the U.S. while their immigration case is pending, but it does not provide legal residency status.
Why is the detention of Daniel Reyes Acosta significant?
The detention of Daniel Reyes Acosta is significant because it highlights the concerns of targeted detentions by ICE against individuals with I-220A, raising fears among the Cuban community in Florida.
How are immigration checks conducted by the Highway Patrol?
Immigration checks by the Highway Patrol can occur when a vehicle is flagged in the system, often based on the immigration status of the vehicle owner, leading to further action by ICE.