Relatives of a Cuban mother from Tampa deported to Cuba demonstrate, demanding her return.

A Cuban mother living in Tampa, under immigration supervision, has just been returned to Cuba. Her family and supporters are gathering throughout the Tampa Bay region, urging local and federal authorities to help her return.

The family of Heydi Sánchez Tejeda expressed that her expulsion from the country has caused them profound pain, especially for her young daughter.

She was reportedly applying for permanent residency (a green card) when she was deported. During her appointment with ICE, she was detained.

Family and friends gathered in Tampa, urging city officials to help her return to the United States.

According to her lawyer, Heydi was facing a significant deportation order due to her failure to appear at a 2019 immigration hearing, which The Associated Press reported. After nine months of detention, she was released in 2020 after Cuba refused to accept her back as long as she reported to ICE regularly. However, this week, during what she believed was a regular appointment, she was detained and deported. According to her family, the unexpected separation has deeply affected their daughter and torn the family apart.

At this moment, they direct their anger at the rulers, insisting that immediate action be taken.