A Cuban woman, who spent nearly 11 months in ICE detention, recounted the nerve-wracking experience of attending her immigration supervision appointment in Houston, Texas. Despite having a federal judge's order explicitly prohibiting her re-arrest, she approached the meeting with apprehension. Known on TikTok as @anaestiu, she shared a video on August 3 describing her ordeal with a blend of relief and dark humor.
"I have a federal judge's order stating I can't be re-detained, but since these people don't seem to care, I went with a lot of fear," the young woman remarked in the video, which quickly amassed around 10,000 views.
According to her account, the wait at the ICE offices was lengthy, but she eventually left without being detained. She was given a new appointment set for November 3, 2026, suggesting a pattern of check-ins every three months.
"But the saga continues," she concluded with a nervous chuckle, referencing her ongoing series of videos documenting her immigration journey.
Challenges for Cuban Immigrants with I-220A
This case highlights a harsh reality faced by tens of thousands of Cubans in the United States who entered the country under Form I-220A, an order of supervised release issued by ICE. This form does not equate to parole nor does it provide any legal immigration status. Holders must regularly attend supervision appointments, which, since 2025, have become a source of dread. The Trump administration has utilized these meetings to detain migrants who have been compliant for years.
Numerous cases have been reported in Houston. Yessy Mesa was unexpectedly detained during her immigration appointment in November 2025. Shortly thereafter, Lázara Campos Cabrera faced a similar fate in December, despite having no criminal record. Stephanie Kenny Velásquez was also arrested that month and only regained her freedom following a federal judge's order.
Uncertain Legal Landscape for I-220A Holders
The legal situation for those with I-220A is unpredictable. In July 2026, judges in Orlando, New Orleans, and San Antonio granted residence to Cubans with I-220A, but the federal government immediately appealed. That same month, reports emerged of Cubans receiving deportation orders after appearing in immigration court.
@anaestiu's story adds another layer of concern: even with explicit individual protection from a federal judge, she fears that ICE might ignore it.
Last Wednesday, another Cuban with I-220A shared her experience during an ICE appointment in Miramar, Florida. She described two distinct lines for the registration process, suggesting that ICE is modifying its supervision procedures across various cities.
For Cubans carrying I-220A, each supervision appointment has become a gamble: complying with immigration law means appearing before the same agency that could arrest them on the spot, with or without a judicial order.
Cuban Immigration and ICE Supervision Appointments
What is Form I-220A and how does it affect Cuban immigrants?
Form I-220A is an order of supervised release issued by ICE that does not grant parole or legal immigration status. Cuban immigrants with this form must regularly attend supervision appointments, which have become risky as they may lead to detention despite compliance.
Why are ICE supervision appointments a source of fear for Cubans?
Since 2025, the Trump administration began using these appointments to detain migrants, creating fear among Cubans who, despite following the rules, face the risk of arrest during their check-ins with ICE.
How are federal judges involved in cases of Cubans with I-220A?
Federal judges have sometimes granted residence to Cubans with I-220A, but these decisions are often appealed by the federal government. Judges can also issue orders to prevent re-detention, although compliance by ICE is uncertain.