Yeni Triana, a Cuban national held under the I-220A immigration status in Houston, Texas, has been released after spending three months and a day in custody. Her release followed a judge's decision to set a $25,000 bond.
Her husband, Aramís Reyes, expressed relief through social media posts, describing their ordeal as weeks of intense anxiety now finally at an end.
Reyes explained that progress was made in the case after filing a habeas corpus petition, a federal lawsuit. This prompted a federal judge to review the legality of Triana's detention, concluding that it was not mandatory and that she was entitled to a bond hearing.
In a message dated December 18, 2025, Reyes reflected on the three months since his wife's detention, describing the experience as unexpectedly challenging and difficult to endure.
He shared that they have been together for over 15 years, working and building a business, yet they felt as if they were being pushed out of the country "as if they were worthless."
Reyes expressed frustration by comparing his wife's situation to criminal cases, pointing out that while individuals facing serious charges can often post bail, his wife—whose only "crime," according to him, was crossing a border and then living her life in the U.S.—was initially denied this right.
Record-Breaking Bond and Homecoming Celebration
On December 19, Reyes announced on social media that Triana had returned home. He shared his joy about their reunion, stating, "My wife just got out... three months and a day in detention." Although he couldn't personally pick her up—requiring a citizen or resident to do so—a relative was able to assist.
Reyes noted that Triana's bond was set at $25,000, despite her having no criminal record. He mentioned other detainees were released on $12,000 bonds, and in that Houston facility, the highest bond he had heard of was $20,000, making his wife's bond an "absolute record."
To gather the necessary funds, they leaned on family support, considered bond companies and personal loans, and even contemplated selling trucks, but eventually managed to pool the resources together.
The Complex Nature of Habeas Corpus
Reyes later elaborated that habeas corpus is a federal legal action used when the government holds someone without clear legal grounds or due process. It is not a standard immigration procedure or administrative request, but rather an appeal to a federal judge to assess the legality of detention.
He emphasized that while the habeas corpus petition doesn't guarantee automatic release, it compels the government to justify the detention. If they fail to do so, "things start to move."
Reyes described the process as "complex" and noted that several lawyers had informed him they couldn't handle such a filing.
Understanding Immigration Detention and Habeas Corpus
What is an I-220A immigration status?
The I-220A status refers to a specific immigration hold used by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for individuals awaiting removal proceedings.
What is a habeas corpus petition?
A habeas corpus petition is a legal action that challenges the legality of someone's detention, requiring the government to justify the detention before a judge.
How can one secure a bond in immigration detention?
Securing a bond typically involves a bond hearing where a judge assesses the case to determine eligibility and sets a bond amount, if applicable.