A young Cuban woman was detained with I220-A during her visit to the ICE office in Miramar.

A 26-year-old Cuban woman, identified as Sama Laura de la Caridad González, was detained by ICE agents during a routine appointment in Miramar. This detention has raised concerns in the Cuban community, especially among those with I220A status, which allows them to remain in the country while their asylum application is processed.

According to her attorney, Eduardo Soto, the young woman was arrested under a new measure that was not clearly explained. Despite having no criminal record and a pending asylum application, immigration authorities decided to detain her. The first court hearing in her case is scheduled for December 2025, adding further uncertainty to her situation.

González's mother is desperate, unsure whether her daughter will be deported or if she will be temporarily detained to investigate her situation. This case is particularly troubling, as 18 other Cubans have been arrested in similar circumstances without a criminal record.

Context of the arrest

The young woman's attorney has emphasized that, in theory, those with a pending asylum application should not be subject to detention. However, González's situation is a clear example of how immigration policies can change overnight. In the past, detentions of Cubans with I-220A status have been reported, but these cases generally involved criminal records.

A previous case mentioned by Soto involved a Cuban man who had been deported and then attempted to re-enter the United States, resulting in his arrest. In contrast, González has no criminal record, making her arrest even more unusual and alarming to the community.

Reactions and possible implications

The Cuban community is on alert regarding this situation. Although each case is unique, many fear that this could be a sign of tightening immigration policies. Attorney Claudio Cañizares, when consulted about the case, also expressed surprise, stating that there are no recent measures that justify the detention of individuals with I220A.

There is speculation that González's detention could be related to an order from the previous administration, which reviewed cases of people who had entered the country. However, this order stipulated that those with asylum claims should not be considered targets for detention.

The situation of Sama Laura de la Caridad González and the other detained Cubans highlights the fragility of the immigration system and the uncertainty faced by many in search of a better future. The community hopes their attorney will resolve this situation and restore confidence in the asylum process.

The case continues to develop, and authorities are expected to provide further clarity on the reasons behind these arrests.