A Cuban national, holding the I-220A form, recently shared his experience on social media about leaving the United States for Mexico through a "voluntary departure" sanctioned by a judge, following a stint in a detention center.
In a series of Instagram posts, Lázaro Acosta explained his decision to leave as a means to avoid a potential deportation that could carry a ban of 5 to 10 years, while preserving the possibility of returning "legally" in the future.
Having spent nearly four years in the U.S. and with no "criminal record," Acosta recounted that several attorneys were pessimistic about achieving favorable outcomes for detainees in similar immigration situations. He chose voluntary departure as a "personal" choice, without encouraging others to follow suit.
During his detention, he claimed that three lawyers "turned their backs" on him, albeit honestly admitting the challenges in securing releases from detention centers. Acosta mentioned paying $3,000 to a lawyer to facilitate the voluntary departure, which he later deemed the "worst-spent" money, believing he could have petitioned the judge himself due to his lack of criminal history.
He keeps in touch with acquaintances still detained, many of whom are desperate and have appealed their cases—a process he says could take six to ten months and still result in deportation with penalties.
Faced with no "solution" for the I-220A issue and unfulfilled promises of hearing dates, he opted to leave voluntarily.
The Journey to Mexico: A Detailed Account
In a subsequent account, Lázaro described his transfer process. On December 5th, he was released and transported by bus to the Hidalgo bridge at the Reynosa border.
After crossing on foot, he went through a checkpoint where his health conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, blood pressure, heart issues) were assessed, and his belongings were bagged for group transport.
He was then taken by van, under National Guard custody, to a nearby immigration center where his possessions were checked, and he signed "six or seven books" with personal details. He noted that lunch was provided and that the treatment was "very good."
They proceeded in escorted buses, traveling through the country to Villahermosa (Tabasco), where they received an electronic safe-conduct (without a physical document).
Throughout the journey, they were offered food regularly ("every three or four hours"), along with water and sodas.
Later, they reached Palenque, where they were "released" in a park, had their belongings returned, and he was able to charge his phone and call his family. From there, he bought a bus ticket to Cancun for 8:50 p.m.
On the way to Cancun, at the first checkpoint, an officer asked for documents; without them, several Cubans, including Acosta, were taken aside for a photo and document or passport photo check, after which they were allowed to continue.
He described a similar occurrence at another checkpoint, generally noting the treatment was appropriate. Eventually, he arrived in Cancun without issues, describing it as a "very beautiful" city.
Acosta mentioned that with the safe-conduct, one could travel "through the entire southern part of Mexico," but not northbound, and detailed how he was informed about initiating his legal process with COMAR, the refugee assistance office in Mexico.
He also offered guidance to others on hotels or hostels, though he clarified he could not accommodate anyone at his residence.
Understanding the Voluntary Departure Process for Cubans
What is a voluntary departure for immigrants?
Voluntary departure allows certain immigrants to leave the U.S. at their own expense within a specified period, avoiding the penalties associated with formal deportation.
How does the I-220A form affect Cuban immigrants?
The I-220A form is a notice to appear in immigration court, which can complicate an immigrant's legal standing and often results in detention, as it did for Lázaro Acosta.
Can voluntary departure be requested without a lawyer?
Yes, immigrants can request voluntary departure directly from an immigration judge, although legal advice is often recommended to navigate the process effectively.