The Cuban national Addiel Luna was residing in Miami, happily married to a U.S. citizen and eagerly awaiting the birth of his child when he was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and deported to Cuba. The case has stirred significant public outcry, particularly because Addiel has only been able to meet his newborn daughter through video calls.
The circumstances surrounding Addiel's detention caught his family off guard. According to his attorney, who spoke with Univision News, Addiel had an outstanding I-220B case and had lost his asylum, resulting in a deportation order against him. ICE proceeded to arrest and place him in custody at a detention center.
Legal Battle and Deportation
One day before his scheduled deportation to Cuba, Addiel's family decided to hire a prestigious law firm in Miami. They immediately filed a motion to reopen his case, arguing that Addiel, being married to a U.S. citizen, was entitled to an immediate visa.
The judge agreed to reopen the case and issued an order preventing ICE from executing the deportation. However, by the time this information was updated in the system, Addiel had already been deported to Cuba.
From the island, Addiel expressed his deep sorrow at not being able to be physically present with his newborn daughter, whom he has only seen through a screen. The legal team is working tirelessly to bring Addiel back to the United States, but they acknowledge that the process could take an indefinite amount of time. Meanwhile, this Cuban father must be content with seeing his baby only via video call.
This case underscores the critical importance for immigrants in the United States to remain vigilant with every step of their asylum, residency, and citizenship processes. It is not merely an expense but a necessary investment to hire competent legal counsel in advance, who are committed to their cases. Only through such diligence can one avoid the time loss and legal errors that can lead to being sent back to Cuba.
Key Questions and Answers About Immigration and Deportation
This section addresses some of the most pressing questions related to Addiel Luna's case and the broader issues surrounding immigration and deportation in the United States.
What happened to Addiel Luna?
Addiel Luna, a Cuban national residing in Miami, was detained by ICE and deported to Cuba despite being married to a U.S. citizen. He has only been able to meet his newborn daughter through video calls.
Why was Addiel Luna deported?
Addiel Luna had an outstanding I-220B case and had lost his asylum status, which resulted in a deportation order against him. ICE proceeded with the arrest and deportation.
What steps were taken to prevent Addiel Luna's deportation?
Addiel's family hired a law firm which filed a motion to reopen his case, arguing his marriage to a U.S. citizen entitled him to an immediate visa. A judge agreed to reopen the case and issued an order to stop the deportation, but it was too late as Addiel had already been deported.
What can immigrants do to avoid deportation?
Immigrants should stay vigilant with their asylum, residency, and citizenship processes and hire competent legal counsel in advance. This helps avoid legal errors and time loss that can lead to deportation.