Cuban journalist residing in Miami, Javier Díaz, accompanied a fellow countryman with a deportation order to his appointment at the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), where he was summoned without a specific reason. "I was there to witness firsthand what it feels like on behalf of the thousands of Cubans who still haven't managed to legalize their status in the country and are called by the federal agency," he stated on his Instagram account.
This Wednesday, Díaz traveled to Miramar, in Broward County, with Roilan Corrales Martínez, a Cuban who arrived in the country in 2019. After being detained for a year and nine months, he was released with a deportation order, despite having passed his credible fear interview. "These appointments with ICE turn into their worst nightmare due to the possibility of being deported," the reporter noted.
Fortunately, Corrales Martínez was released but with another appointment scheduled for January 2025. In the coming months, he must try to legalize his status. His case is similar to that of thousands of Cubans who remain in a migratory limbo in the United States after entering the territory irregularly.
Every day, dozens of illegal immigrants attend their ICE appointments, which can be for routine checks like verifying their address or checking if their status has changed, but in the worst-case scenario, to detain them and send them back to Cuba, if the regime accepts them. Nervous and worried, they attend the interview, knowing that failing to do so could label them as fugitives from U.S. authorities.
"When you think you're having a bad day, remember this photo: these are migrants, mostly Cubans, who have an appointment with ICE and after crossing this fence, risk being detained and consequently deported," Javier Díaz wrote on his Facebook wall, along with a photo of a long line of Cubans, many with I-220B documents, waiting for their turn.
"It's incredible how overnight the lives of people who do not yet have legal status in the United States can change," he commented.
In recent weeks, immigration lawyers in Miami have denounced that authorities are detaining and deporting migrants with I-220B documents (deportation orders), mostly young people with no criminal records who are working and integrated into society.
Last week, the United States returned 54 irregular migrants to Cuba on a flight that landed at José Martí International Airport. It was the 16th flight since deportations resumed in April of last year. A total of 768 people have been returned.
FAQs on ICE Appointments and Deportation Orders
Given the increasing number of Cubans facing deportation orders and their interactions with ICE, here are some frequently asked questions to shed light on the process and the challenges involved.
What happens during an ICE appointment?
During an ICE appointment, individuals may be required to verify their address, provide updates on their immigration status, or undergo a routine check. In some cases, they may be detained if there is a deportation order in place.
What is an I-220B document?
An I-220B document is a deportation order issued by U.S. immigration authorities. It indicates that the individual must leave the country or face detention and forced removal.
Are there any legal options for those with a deportation order?
Yes, individuals with deportation orders can seek legal counsel to explore options such as filing for asylum, appealing the order, or other forms of relief based on their specific circumstances.
How can migrants prepare for their ICE appointments?
Migrants should gather all necessary documents, stay informed about their case status, and consider consulting with an immigration attorney to understand their rights and obligations before attending an ICE appointment.