A Cuban man with I-220B status (order of supervision and deportation), detained by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), is facing the threat of deportation, potentially leaving his pregnant wife and two young children behind in the United States.
Influencer Dairon Cano (@dairon_cano_champions) took to TikTok this Sunday to seek help for the family, arguing that the Cuban father, detained since June 7, is the sole provider for his pregnant wife and two children. "My husband was detained by ICE because he has an I-220B, and every month they are deporting people. We submitted the documents, they were denied, and we don't know what will happen to him," the Cuban woman explained.
She further mentioned that they are living in an apartment owned by her husband's friends, who have repeatedly helped them. "Please, let's help this pregnant mother who is alone with her two children," implored the TikToker, who explained that the woman has tried to contact several influencers, such as Alexander Otaola, Ultrack, Pollito Tropical, and even Congresswoman Maria Elvira Salazar, without receiving any response or support from any of them.
Cano emphasized that it is unjust for ICE to have detained her husband, "I call on immigration to carry out their duties fairly." ICE in Miramar summoned the Cuban man for an appointment on June 7, at which time he was detained despite having an I-220B and no criminal record.
"He's a family man, and his family depends on him. Please, let's help this mother," Cano urged, expressing his sympathy for the family's plight.
Recent Cases of Deportation Under I-220B
In recent months, several Cubans with I-220B status have been detained by ICE in the United States. This includes Yoselianys Rodríguez, who was detained last July during an immigration appointment and is currently in ICE custody in Miramar, Broward County, pending possible deportation to Cuba. She is married to a doctor, also from the island, who defected from a mission in Venezuela and is now a U.S. citizen.
Vivian Pérez, a mother of an autistic child and a resident in the U.S. for the past four years, was detained last July and placed in the Pompano Beach Detention Center in Broward County. She now faces the threat of deportation to Cuba, as reported by her family.
The recent detentions of a woman and a young Cuban with I-220B status, following their immigration appointments in Miramar, have raised concerns among other Cubans in similar situations.
To date, there have been 16 deportation flights from the United States to Cuba, returning a total of 768 people to the island they once fled. The most recent flight carried a group of 54 irregular migrants, landing at José Martí International Airport on July 18. According to the Ministry of the Interior (MININT), the group comprised 40 men and 14 women, most of whom had initially left Cuba legally but later joined irregular routes to reach the U.S. border.
The 15th deportation flight under the Joe Biden administration returned a total of 714 people to Cuba, as reported by Café Fuerte. During previous administrations, the highest number of Cubans deported via ICE charter flights occurred under Donald Trump, with a record 3,385; Barack Obama deported 341 Cubans in these operations, and George W. Bush deported 416.
Understanding I-220B Deportation Cases
Given the complexities surrounding I-220B cases and the high-profile nature of recent deportations, many questions arise about the implications and processes involved. Here are some frequently asked questions and answers to provide clarity.
What is an I-220B status?
An I-220B status is an order of supervision and deportation issued by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for individuals who are subject to removal from the United States.
Why was the Cuban man detained by ICE?
The Cuban man was detained by ICE during an appointment despite having an I-220B status and no criminal record, as part of ongoing deportation efforts.
How many deportation flights have been conducted from the U.S. to Cuba?
As of now, there have been 16 deportation flights from the U.S. to Cuba, returning a total of 768 people to the island.
What can be done to help individuals facing deportation?
Individuals can seek legal assistance, reach out to community organizations, and raise awareness through social media and other platforms to garner support and potentially prevent deportation.