A Cuban-born individual holding a Spanish passport was reportedly detained by federal agents on March 20 outside his residence in the United States, according to his wife, Vilma. She revealed to Telemundo 51 that her husband had been residing in the country for over ten years and had made unsuccessful attempts to regularize his immigration status.
Security cameras captured the moment when he stepped outside to dispose of the trash and was immediately handcuffed by an agent. Vilma, who was inside the house, was alerted by the presence of FBI agents. They advised her to contact a lawyer due to an existing immigration detention order against her husband, but they did not disclose the reasons for his arrest.
Vilma managed to legalize her status through the Cuban Adjustment Act, but her husband was unable to do so for undisclosed reasons. In 2023, they reapplied for his immigration status adjustment but had yet to receive a response. According to her, he has no criminal record aside from minor traffic violations.
The family is now deeply concerned and is seeking legal assistance to understand the situation and secure his release. As of now, no official statement has been released by the authorities regarding the case.
Under the Trump Administration, there has been a heightened crackdown on immigrants in Florida. Immigration attorneys report that at least 18 Cubans holding form I-220A have been detained in Miami and nearby counties after attending scheduled appointments with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in recent days.
This information was initially reported by the Miami Herald and has sparked anxiety within the Cuban community in the United States.
Key Questions About Immigration Detentions
What is the Cuban Adjustment Act?
The Cuban Adjustment Act allows Cuban nationals who have been admitted or paroled into the United States to apply for permanent residence after one year, provided they meet certain requirements.
What is form I-220A?
Form I-220A, also known as the Order of Release on Recognizance, is a document issued by ICE that allows an individual to remain in the U.S. temporarily while awaiting further legal proceedings.