Wednesday, February 5, 2025: The Cuban community in Miami is facing heightened tension due to the growing fear of deportations. Individuals possessing I-220A forms are choosing self-deportation out of fear of being sent to Guantánamo, while others worry about their family's safety following their support for Trump. Anxiety is mounting. Below are today's most significant news stories.
Cuban Couple Self-Deports from Miami Over Guantánamo Concerns: A "Grave Mistake"
A Cuban couple residing in Miami has opted to self-deport back to Cuba, afraid of being detained at Guantánamo Bay without obtaining U.S. residency. An immigration attorney warns that leaving without a valid migration permit results in forfeiting any open asylum case. Journalist Javier Díaz shared this story, cautioning the Cuban community about the risks of making uninformed migration decisions. Despite fears of stricter immigration policies, experts assert that voluntary departure without a valid permit nullifies the possibility of legally returning to the U.S.
Fear of Family Deportation Due to Trump’s Migration Policy Changes
A Cuban man, who once supported Donald Trump, now lives in uncertainty due to potential shifts in U.S. immigration policy, which could revoke the legal status of thousands of migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela. Concerned, he fears deportation for the six family members he sponsored under a program initiated by former President Biden. An immigration lawyer warns that the government can terminate humanitarian parole at any time, subjecting beneficiaries to deportation proceedings, thereby causing widespread anxiety among Cuban families.
Uncertainty and Fear Among U.S. Cubans with I-220A Amid Deportation Risks
Cuban migrants in the United States holding I-220A forms face an uncertain future following alterations in immigration policy. This document allows temporary residence but does not guarantee protection from deportation. An example is Yunior Luis Pino Pérez, a participant in the 11J protests, currently seeking political asylum in Miami due to safety concerns in Cuba. Dayvel Álvarez and Oscar Casanella are also experiencing slow immigration processes, sparking worries over generalized migration measures that might overlook individual cases. Although some have secured residency through the Cuban Adjustment Act, recent decisions complicate this possibility, leaving thousands of Cubans in an immigration limbo. The lack of clarity around I-220A form assignments heightens fear among families divided by inconsistent migration decisions.
Former Marielito Homeless in Miami After Decades of Incarceration
A Cuban who arrived in the U.S. during the 1980 Mariel boatlift, having spent 40 years in prison, now survives on the streets of Miami. His story, shared by TikTok user Conducta, illustrates how poor choices can impact one's future, even in a land of opportunities. Accompanied by his Puerto Rican wife, who suffers from cataract-induced blindness, the elderly man struggles to find safe shelter and dreams of securing employment to improve their situation.
Congressman Carlos Giménez Challenges Bruno Rodríguez: "Your Time is Running Out"
Republican Congressman Carlos A. Giménez responded to Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez, who claimed U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio "will be disappointed" in his desire to visit Havana. Giménez criticized the Cuban regime for suppressing the populace and maintaining its propaganda, emphasizing that "no one believes them anymore" and that "their time is running out." This exchange follows Rubio's statement expressing disinterest in negotiating with the current Cuban government.
Legal Dispute Over El Taiger's Musical Legacy
The legacy of the late Cuban singer José Manuel Carvajal Zaldívar, known as El Taiger, is sparking a legal battle in Miami. The controversy arose when musicians shared an unreleased song on Instagram. Eliani Rodríguez Pérez, the mother of one of his daughters in Cuba, did not authorize this release, according to her lawyer Yuni Barreto. Without legal representation for the estate, disagreements over rights and profits from the musical work persist. Former manager Marcel Reinosa insists that the co-authors aimed to protect and benefit the heirs through the song's release.
Chinese Migrant Intercepted at Sea Attempting to Reach U.S. on Paddleboards
A Chinese migrant was intercepted by the U.S. Coast Guard while trying to reach American shores paddling on two stacked paddleboards. The incident occurred approximately 25 miles from Freeport, Bahamas. After being detained by the Cutter Seahorse, the migrant was returned to the Bahamas. A video shared by the Coast Guard shows the man, with a black suitcase tied to his makeshift vessel, speaking with officers. This journey highlights the desperation to migrate and the dangers migrants face on their route to the U.S.
U.S. Escalates Immigration Policy by Sending Criminal Migrants to Guantánamo
The U.S. authorities have transferred ten immigrants with criminal backgrounds to the Guantánamo Naval Base. This approach is part of a broader strategy by Donald Trump's administration to curb illegal immigration. Images suggest that Operation Southern Guard is underway, expanding the Migrant Operations Center. Although facing criticism for potential human rights violations, the administration defends its decision as a means to alleviate pressure on U.S. detention centers and better manage the migration crisis.
Egg Shortage in U.S. Drives Up Restaurant Prices
A shortage of eggs in the United States, triggered by an avian flu outbreak, has prompted chains like Waffle House to raise their dish prices by 50 cents per egg. This increase is part of a trend affecting numerous restaurants as the cost of the product reaches unprecedented levels. Companies like Biscuit Belly have opted to use liquid eggs to cut expenses, while supermarkets impose purchase limits. Egg prices are expected to continue rising, maintaining pressure on the food sector.
Tanker Truck Accident Causes Gasoline Spill and Road Closures in Little Havana
An incident in Little Havana led to temporary road closures after a tanker truck, carrying 9,000 gallons of gasoline, collided with a car. The Miami-Dade Traffic Department and the fire team acted swiftly, using absorbent materials to contain the spill and recommended avoiding 27th Avenue while operations continued. Avenue 22 was designated as an alternative route for drivers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cuban Migration Issues
What is the I-220A form?
The I-220A form is a document that allows temporary residence in the United States but does not protect against deportation.
Why are some Cuban migrants self-deporting?
Some Cuban migrants are self-deporting due to fears of being detained at Guantánamo Bay without valid residency status.
How do changes in U.S. immigration policy affect Cuban migrants?
Changes in U.S. immigration policy can lead to the revocation of legal status for Cuban migrants, exposing them to potential deportation.
What are the risks of leaving the U.S. without a valid migration permit?
Leaving the U.S. without a valid migration permit forfeits any open asylum case and eliminates the possibility of legally returning to the country.