Cuban Mother Detained by ICE Exposes Immigration Vulnerabilities

Yaima de las Mercedes Suárez, a Cuban mother of five minor children —three with autism— and permanent U.S. resident, was arrested by ICE at Miami International Airport upon returning from a family trip to Cuba. Her case illustrates the growing vulnerabilities faced by permanent residents under the Trump administration’s intensified immigration policies.

The Fatal Journey

The trip had a strictly family purpose: for the grandmother to meet her granddaughter and to bring flowers to the grave of Yaima’s father, who had died before she could say goodbye. Her husband, Yankiel Suárez, stated they foresaw no problems. “My wife traveled to Cuba thinking there was no problem at all because she even renewed her residency,” he declared before Noticias 23 Miami cameras.

However, on March 28, 2026, what should have been a routine return became a nightmare when ICE agents detained her immediately upon stepping on U.S. soil.

13-Year-Old Background

The reason for the arrest dates back to July 2013, when Yaima was 21 years old and pregnant. She was accused of fuel theft along with four others in Manatee County, Florida, facing conspiracy and theft charges.

According to her family, she pleaded guilty to avoid giving birth in prison, as she was about to deliver her eldest daughter. For over a decade, her record remained clean, but journalist Javier Díaz explained that “her lawyer claims she should not have left the country without consulting.”

The Dangerous Legal Framework

Under the Immigration and Nationality Act, permanent residents with convictions for offenses such as theft and conspiracy may be deemed deportable upon re-entering the country, as each entry is considered a new application for admission.

This means that criminal records that caused no problems for years can become an obstacle at the time of reentry, even if the person has renewed their residency card.

One of the most significant legal limitations in the case is that Yaima had not accumulated the necessary years of residence to apply for cancellation of removal. “Unfortunately, she had not yet accumulated the 15 years. If she had, we could have asked for a pardon,” her lawyer lamented.

The Current Legal Battle

Yaima’s legal team is working on several fronts to prevent her deportation:

Bail request: Arguing she is not subject to mandatory detention
Habeas corpus: As an alternative means to challenge the legality of detention before a federal judge
Scheduled hearing: For April 6, 2026

“We have focused on trying to request bail, arguing that she is not subject to mandatory detention,” her lawyer explained.

Context of Tightening Policies

The case is set against the backdrop of immigration policy tightening under the Trump administration, which has intensified controls at airports and prioritizes detention of permanent residents with criminal records, even past ones.

Cuba is also listed among countries deemed non-cooperative by ICE since December 2024, which increases scrutiny on those returning from the island.

Community Warning

Javier Díaz warned that Yaima’s case is not isolated. There are more permanent residents detained who left the country and upon returning were arrested at an international airport or other U.S. entry point.

Yankiel Suárez, now in charge of his five minor children, issued a warning to the community: “I advise everyone to be very careful and not to leave unless they are citizens.”

Devastating Family Impact

Yaima is mother to five minor children, three of whom have autism, requiring specialized care. Her detention affects not only the family’s economic stability but also the emotional and medical well-being of children with special needs.

Her husband must now face parenting and caregiving responsibilities alone while fighting for his wife’s release in a complex legal system.

FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

Can permanent residents be deported for old criminal records?

Yes, under the Immigration and Nationality Act, permanent residents can be deported if they have convictions for certain crimes, even from the past. Each reentry is considered a new application for admission.

What does cancellation of removal mean?

It’s immigration relief that allows permanent residents with at least 15 years of physical presence in the U.S. to request a waiver, especially if deportation would cause extreme hardship to U.S. citizen family members.

Why does ICE intensify controls on Cuba travelers?

Cuba has been on ICE’s non-cooperative countries list since December 2024, and the Trump administration has prioritized scrutiny of travelers returning from certain countries considered problematic.

What can other residents in similar situations do?

It’s crucial to consult with an immigration attorney before traveling if you have criminal records. Residents should evaluate their risks and consider if they qualify for any type of legal protection before leaving the country.

Sources: CiberCuba, CubaHeadlines, Univision Miami