A Cuban woman, wearing an electronic ankle monitor, took to TikTok on Wednesday to share her distressing experience during a routine meeting with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), which resulted in the abrupt loss of her work permit, passport, and job—all within a matter of minutes.
In the video posted on her account @yusmary538, the woman describes how her work authorization was revoked the moment she stepped into the office of her assigned ICE officer. "My permit to work was immediately nullified as soon as I crossed the threshold of the office," she tearfully recounts.
However, the revocation of her work permit wasn't the only setback. The ICE agents also confiscated her passport without providing a clear explanation. "Upon arrival, they told me: no, we have to keep your passport. Why? Because that's the decision of the ICE officer until your process concludes," she shares, recounting the response she received.
According to her account, what hurt the most was the lack of any explanation from the attending officer. "At the very least, as a human being, you deserve to be told: look, your permit was terminated because of this," she expressed.
Leaving the office, she felt utterly bewildered. "I walked out of there so disoriented that I nearly got hit by a car, honestly," she said. She added, "I don't know what to think or do anymore. I know this will eventually end and it won't break me, but the powerlessness and injustice are overwhelming, and there's no way to defend yourself."
The immediate consequence was losing her job. "Suddenly, I've lost my job, and I don't know where this will lead," she concluded.
The video, tagged with #electronicanklemonitor, confirms that the woman is under ICE's electronic supervision, placing her among thousands of Cubans holding the I-220A form who entered the United States between 2021 and 2024. This document does not grant legal immigration status or work authorization but allows temporary residency while their case is pending.
Broader Implications and Similar Cases
Her ordeal is not unique. In Phoenix, another Cuban woman was detained for a month after leaving her job despite having a valid work permit, only to be released with an electronic monitor. Earlier this year, ICE held a Cuban woman for 25 days while questioning her citizenship, eventually releasing her under similar conditions. In May, Cristian Michel García Gil was freed after five months in detention through a habeas corpus petition.
Immigration attorneys caution that voluntarily surrendering a passport to ICE can negatively impact an immigrant’s legal standing, as the document might be used against them in immigration proceedings.
It is estimated that around 400,000 Cubans in the United States find themselves in a state of immigration limbo, many with the I-220A form, facing such repercussions whenever attending a supervision appointment with ICE.
Understanding the Challenges Faced by Cuban Immigrants with ICE
What is the I-220A form?
The I-220A form allows Cuban immigrants to reside temporarily in the United States while their immigration case is processed. However, it does not grant legal status or work authorization.
Why do ICE officers confiscate passports?
ICE officers may retain passports as part of their supervisory procedures, although this can complicate the immigrant's legal process since the document might be used against them during proceedings.
How does wearing an electronic ankle monitor impact Cuban immigrants?
An electronic ankle monitor signifies that the immigrant is under ICE's supervision, restricting their freedom and complicating their daily life and employment opportunities.