Desperate Plea from a Daughter: Cuban Woman with I-220A Detained by ICE

A Cuban woman living in Dallas, Texas, is making a public appeal for assistance regarding her 64-year-old mother, who holds an I-220A immigration form and was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents after attending a routine appointment in late October.

This distressing case, marked by illness and desperation, was brought to light by Univision journalist Javier Díaz. It has captured the attention and sympathy of hundreds of people over recent days, rallying support for the family involved.

The detention took place on October 28 in Dallas, and since then, the woman has been held in an immigration detention facility.

Her daughter, through tears, recounted how a seemingly ordinary day turned into an ongoing nightmare lasting over 45 days.

"My mother is not a threat to society... She's very responsible," stated the daughter, who has been tirelessly working to bring attention to the case.

Despite following the usual protocols associated with the I-220A form—a document allowing certain immigrants to remain free under supervision while awaiting their immigration process—ICE detained her mother without providing a clear reason for the arrest.

Health Concerns Worsen the Situation

Beyond the emotional shock of being detained without a clear explanation, the situation is exacerbated by the detainee's health conditions.

According to her daughter, the woman was diagnosed in 2011 with a mixed anxiety-depressive disorder, a chronic mental health condition that affects her emotional stability and requires ongoing treatment.

"Unfortunately, she has a medical condition; since 2011 she has suffered from mixed anxiety-depressive disorder. This means she frequently falls into depression even while on medication. It's a condition she's had to be strong to live with, as it has no cure," her daughter explained, visibly distressed.

Within the detention center, the woman has been assessed by psychologists and psychiatrists, who have prescribed a heavy regimen of anxiety medications—up to three times a day—though her mental state continues to decline.

"Every time we speak, she's depressed, despite the heavy medication load. She receives anxiety meds three times daily. We're talking about more than four medications, yet there's no response from those handling her case," the daughter emphasized.

A Valued Worker and Community Member

Before her detention, the woman worked at a fast-food chain, responsibly preparing salads.

Her dedication and character earned her the affection of her coworkers, who, upon learning of her situation, began raising funds to legally support her case and prevent deportation.

This spontaneous show of solidarity speaks not only to the woman's character but also to the emotional impact her detention has had on those around her.

Stuck in Legal Limbo Without Answers

The lack of clear information regarding the reasons for her detention has left the family bewildered.

After being moved to a second detention center, the woman had her first hearing before an immigration judge, who, according to the case lawyer, was unable to explain the exact reasons for her arrest.

Given the severity of her health condition, the lawyer requested her medical release over 20 days ago, submitting the necessary documentation and offering a caretaker's name. However, responses have been vague and insufficient.

A bond hearing was scheduled for December 9. However, the day before, the lawyer received an email stating that "the judge had no jurisdiction for her court," adding more uncertainty and despair to the case.

This Cuban daughter's account is not just a report; it's a desperate cry for help, a plea for intervention from any authority, lawyer, or human rights advocate before it's too late.