ICE detains Cuban families in NYC: separates parents and children

A new wave of ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) operations has shaken Cuban communities in New York, where dozens of families have been separated in mass raids that include the detention of nursing mothers and minors.

The operations, which began Sunday morning in various neighborhoods in Queens and the Bronx, are part of the unprecedented escalation of deportations under the Trump administration, which has already sent 427 Cubans back to the island so far in 2026.

Traumatic separations in the metropolitan area

According to testimonies collected by immigrant rights organizations, at least 15 Cuban families were separated during the weekend operations, including particularly dramatic cases such as María Elena Vázquez, a mother of three young children who was detained while breastfeeding her 8-month-old baby.

“I saw them take her away with the baby crying. The other two children were left alone in the apartment until a neighbor arrived,” recounts Carmen Rodríguez, witness to one of the arrests in the Corona neighborhood of Queens.

The detained minors —some U.S. citizens by birth— have been transferred to family detention centers in Texas, according to confirmation by the organization Make the Road New York.

Alarming deportation figures

Cuban deportations have experienced exponential growth under Trump’s policies:

• 427 Cubans deported in 2026 (as of March 19)
• 340% increase in maritime crossings due to closure of land routes
• 300,000 Cubans in legal limbo after suspension of the CHNV program
• 42,000 pending deportation orders in the courts

“We are seeing a scale of family separations that we haven’t seen since 2018,” declared Claudia Cañizares, an attorney specializing in Cuban immigration. “ICE is detaining even asylum seekers with pending cases, violating established protocols.”

Impact on New York’s Cuban community

New York’s Cuban community, estimated at more than 25,000 people, lives under a constant climate of terror. Many parents have stopped sending their children to school for fear of encountering ICE operations on the way.

“My husband hasn’t left the house in a week,” says Yanet Pérez, an Astoria resident. “We’re afraid they’ll separate us from our children. We’ve been here 12 years, our children are American.”

Humanitarian crisis in detention centers

Family detention centers report critical overcrowding:

• Dilley Center, Texas: 150% capacity
• Average detention time: 45 days for families
• Child depression cases: 60% increase since January

Context: Energy crisis drives exodus

The mass deportation occurs while Cuba faces the worst energy crisis in its history, with blackouts of up to 16 hours daily that have intensified the exodus to the United States.

The oil embargo imposed by Trump has reduced by 90% the island’s energy supply, creating unsustainable humanitarian conditions that push more families to risk their lives in the Florida Straits.

Available legal resources

Lawyers recommend Cuban families:

1. Know your rights: Right to remain silent and request a lawyer
2. Document immigration status: Keep documents updated and accessible
3. Family emergency plan: Designate temporary guardians for minors
4. Habeas corpus: Appeal to federal courts in cases of illegal detention

Emergency contacts:

• Make the Road NY: (718) 418-7690
• Legal defense hotline: 1-800-354-0365
• 24/7 assistance: (212) 725-6422

Political reactions

New York Mayor Eric Adams condemned the operations: “New York is a sanctuary city and will continue to protect all families, regardless of their immigration status.”

Meanwhile, Senator Chuck Schumer called the deportations “cruel and unnecessary” and announced he will introduce legislation to protect families in the asylum process.

FAQ - Frequently asked questions

What rights do I have if ICE comes to my door? You are not required to open the door without a judicial warrant. You have the right to remain silent and request to speak with a lawyer before answering questions.

Can they deport my U.S. citizen child? They cannot deport U.S. citizens, but they can detain mixed families and separate minors from their undocumented parents.

What happens to my asylum application if I’m detained? Pending asylum applications do not guarantee protection against detention under the new policies. It is crucial to have legal representation.

Where can I get free legal help? Organizations like Legal Aid Society, New York Immigration Coalition, and Make the Road New York offer free legal assistance for immigration cases.

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