A Cuban woman with an I-220A form shared her harrowing experience of reporting to the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on TikTok, describing it as "a day filled with fear" due to the uncertainty of what might happen.
Identified on the platform as @aricleaning (FamiliaMarrero), she posted the video on August 5 while arranging a bouquet for the Virgin, whom she had prayed to the previous night, hoping for a favorable outcome alongside her husband.
The stakes in her case were high: just a month earlier, an immigration judge had declared her deportable to Cuba, making the ICE appointment even more nerve-wracking.
"I hold an I-220A form. I had a court hearing a month ago where the judge ruled that I am deportable to Cuba. So, you can imagine how incredibly anxious we were for this ICE appointment," she explained in the video.
They arrived at 8 a.m. to find an unusually long line. They were the last group admitted, and just before their turn, the arrival of several ICE vehicles caused panic among those present. Ultimately, no arrests were made in their group.
Upon submitting her documents, the woman voluntarily presented a parole request, despite previous rejections. The officer accepted it but did not promise a decision that day.
After a tense 30-minute wait, the officer informed her of two outcomes: the parole was once again denied, and ICE had no jurisdiction over her case. "He told me they couldn't act on my case because the judge is the one to decide; they can't give me any value or take action," she recounted.
Given the circumstances, the result was the best possible: another appointment scheduled for next year, without detention or deportation.
She clarified that others were not as fortunate: "There were people with criminal records who knew they would be taken in, and they were indeed detained."
Her advice to fellow Cubans in similar situations was straightforward: "If you have an upcoming ICE appointment, don't be afraid, at least those of us in court, because they won't deport you unless you have a criminal record."
This case highlights the legal complexities faced by hundreds of thousands of Cubans with I-220A in the United States, a form that neither equates to parole nor assures eligibility under the Cuban Adjustment Act. As of mid-2026, the legal debate over whether I-220A can be considered parole for immigration purposes remained unresolved, with a final decision from the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) still pending.
The outcomes of these appointments have varied widely: some Cubans leave without incident with a new date set for the following year, while others face deportation orders or even expedited removal after a routine appointment.
The woman has yet to receive a date for her next court hearing and is in the process of submitting documents requested by the judge. In the meantime, she fulfilled her promise: "A promise is a promise, and yesterday I asked, and she delivered," she said, placing the bouquet in front of the Virgin's image.
Understanding the I-220A Form and ICE Appointments
What is the significance of the I-220A form?
The I-220A form is used by individuals under immigration proceedings, but it does not grant parole or guarantee eligibility under the Cuban Adjustment Act. It's a complex legal status that leaves many in uncertainty.
How do ICE appointments typically proceed for those with an I-220A?
ICE appointments can vary greatly. Some individuals leave with a new appointment without incident, while others may face deportation orders or expedited removal, depending on their legal status and history.
What advice is there for Cubans facing ICE appointments?
Cubans with court cases are advised not to fear ICE appointments, as deportation is unlikely unless there is a criminal record involved.