The situation surrounding Daniel Alejandro Escobar, a 25-year-old Cuban national unexpectedly detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Miami, has taken a distressing turn. He has been transferred to a detention facility infamously known as "Alligator Alcatraz," a complex encircled by swamps where, according to detainees' families, conditions are extremely poor.
His wife, Belixa De La Caridad Cubena Ramírez, also from Cuba, informed Telemundo 51 that since Thursday, Daniel has been held in this facility without proper access to food or hygiene. "He hasn't been able to shower, receives minimal food, and is entirely surrounded by swamps. This is a very painful situation for all of us," she expressed.
The couple arrived in the United States in 2022. Daniel was released with an I-220A, a document which, as immigration lawyer Eduardo Soto explained to the media, is not equivalent to parole. This complicates the legal situation for thousands of migrants, leaving them vulnerable to unexpected detentions even without a criminal record.
Belixa recounted to Telemundo that after attending an immigration appointment on Thursday, Daniel was detained by ICE agents as he left, handcuffed, and taken away without any explanation. "Your life changes in a matter of seconds," she remarked, still in shock over the incident.
The couple had established themselves in Miami, with Daniel working as a pet stylist and Belixa as a digital creator and entrepreneur, running her brand, Eternal Jewelry.
Belixa initially reported her husband's detention on social media, appearing in tears as she explained that he was detained "as if he were a criminal," despite not even having a parking ticket in the United States.
"I'm making this video outside the immigration court here in Miami because my husband was just taken away," she said, seeking support from the Cuban community and stating that she had no idea why he was detained.
The Cuban woman recalled that they have worked tirelessly since arriving in the country, even starting a business together. "All we've done from day one is work hard, do everything right for this country to move forward," she stated in her public plea.
Daniel's case emerges amid reports indicating a rise in arrests of immigrants without criminal records. According to data cited by NBC and Telemundo, ICE has recently detained nearly 75,000 people without a criminal background, a statistic that causes concern among those holding an I-220A and with ongoing asylum processes.
"I just want to ask for justice, for us to be able to continue together outside, because he is doing everything for this country, working hard and doing things right. We only came to move forward escaping a horrible regime," Belixa told Telemundo 51.
The Cuban community remains vigilant about the case, a symbol of the growing fear that a simple immigration appointment could end in a center notorious for being surrounded by crocodiles and allegations of mistreatment.
Key Concerns About ICE Detention and Immigration Policies
What is "Alligator Alcatraz" and why is it notorious?
"Alligator Alcatraz" refers to a detention facility surrounded by swamps, known for its harsh conditions and reports of inadequate food and hygiene.
What is an I-220A and how does it affect immigrants?
An I-220A is a document issued to certain immigrants, but it does not provide the same legal protections as parole, making individuals more susceptible to unexpected detentions.
How has ICE's recent activity affected immigrants with no criminal record?
ICE has increased arrests of immigrants without criminal records, detaining nearly 75,000 individuals recently, which raises concerns among those with ongoing asylum cases.