Esteban García del Toro, a Cuban journalist who sought refuge in the United States, found himself detained on March 25 at the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) office in Orlando, Florida. What was meant to be a step forward in his marriage-based immigration process turned into an arrest that could potentially send him back to the very regime he fled five years ago.
García arrived at a U.S. port of entry in 2019, seeking asylum due to his journalistic work and the oppressive Cuban regime. In 2021, he met Puerto Rican citizen Ivette Viera during a beach day in Daytona Beach. They married a year later and embarked on the lengthy journey to obtain a marriage visa.
However, their American dream quickly unraveled when, instead of progressing in his application, Esteban was taken into custody by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. His wife, Ivette, recounted the heartbreaking moment to Telemundo 31 Orlando, stating, "When they called me, it was just to give me his belongings. I asked, what happened? Why? Where is he? And they replied: we are detaining him because he has a deportation order and we must follow protocol."
García's attorney, Roberto López Ortiz, criticized the decision, questioning, "There is no logical reason for ICE to detain him at this time. Beyond intimidating others, beyond making a news story."
The situation is compounded by Ivette's medical condition, as she is undergoing chemotherapy for cancer and relies "100 percent" on her husband's support. "I don't even know how I'm going to pay for the coming months," she expressed with despair.
Initially, Esteban was held in a Florida jail, then transferred to another detention center in Arizona, where communication with his wife has been scarce. "The last time we spoke, it was very difficult because the call lasted only three minutes, and there was an automated voice in between, so we couldn't communicate well," Ivette explained.
Growing Concerns Among Cuban Immigrants
In recent weeks, several Cuban immigrants have been detained under similar circumstances, aligning with the current administration's immigration policies. Notably, Álvaro Fernando Medina Melo, a 38-year-old Cuban residing in Florida, was detained by ICE after attending his fourth routine appointment at the Miramar office in Broward County. Despite being on parole with an I-220A form, Medina now faces deportation, alarming the Cuban community.
Laura de la Caridad González Sánchez, a 26-year-old Cuban with an I-220A, was also detained during her immigration check-in at the Miramar office. Her mother expressed her distress, noting the lack of a clear explanation for the detention. Laura's lawyer confirmed that she has no criminal record, suggesting her detention may be linked to new immigration measures.
Additionally, Yadira Cantallops Hernández, a mother of a young U.S.-born child, was detained during her ICE check-in in Miramar. Despite having applied for asylum and possessing an April court date, she was held without a clear reason. Her husband voiced his concern over the family separation.
Ariel Rodríguez Gutiérrez, a victim of immigration fraud, was detained during a meeting with authorities to adjust his status. Despite having received parole at the border and attempting to regularize his situation, he now faces deportation due to an absentee order.
For Cuban immigrants, deportation not only means family separation or returning to an impoverished nation but also the genuine risk of retaliation, arbitrary detention, and political repression. According to attorney López Ortiz, Esteban's deportation to Cuba is imminent. "He doesn't have much time left here, and that's why we are working so hard to try to halt or find some remedy for him," he warned.
Cuban Immigration and Deportation Concerns
Why was Esteban García detained at his immigration appointment?
Esteban García was detained because he has a deportation order, and ICE followed protocol by arresting him during his immigration appointment.
What impact does Esteban's detention have on his family?
Esteban's detention has left his wife, Ivette, in a precarious situation as she is undergoing chemotherapy and relies heavily on his support. She is uncertain about how to manage financially in the coming months.
Are other Cuban immigrants facing similar detentions?
Yes, several Cuban immigrants have recently been detained in similar situations, raising concerns within the Cuban community about the current administration's immigration policies.