ICE Arrests Cuban Resident at Miami After Cuba Trip

A Cuban mother of five minor children faces possible deportation after being arrested by ICE at Miami International Airport upon returning from a family trip to Cuba. The case of Yaima de las Mercedes Suárez illustrates the growing risks that permanent residents with criminal backgrounds face under the Trump administration’s tightened immigration policies.

The Miami Airport Arrest

Yaima Suárez, a U.S. permanent resident and mother of five minor children—three of whom have autism—was arrested by ICE immediately after landing in Miami from Cuba. The trip had a strictly family purpose: allowing the grandmother to meet her granddaughter and bringing flowers to the grave of Yaima’s father, who had passed away before she could say goodbye.

“My wife traveled to Cuba thinking there was no problem at all because she even revalidated her residency,” her husband Yankiel Suárez declared before the cameras of Noticias 23 Miami. The couple did not anticipate complications, especially after Yaima had successfully renewed her permanent resident card.

The 2013 Background

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

According to her family, she pleaded guilty to avoid giving birth in prison, as she was about to deliver her eldest daughter. For more than a decade, Yaima maintained a clean record with no new legal incidents.

Journalist Javier Díaz explained that for years, Yaima had no other background issues. “Her criminal record had remained clean until this year, but the lawyer representing her claims that she should not have left the country without consulting.”

Legal Strategy and Obstacles

Yaima’s attorneys are working on several legal fronts to prevent her deportation. “We have focused on trying to request bail, arguing that she is not subject to mandatory detention,” her lawyer explained.

The law firm also explores a writ of habeas corpus as an alternative means to challenge the legality of the detention before a federal judge.

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.

Legal Framework and Current Immigration Policy

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 had not caused problems for years can become an issue at the time of reentry, even if the person has renewed their residency card.

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

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

A Troubling Pattern

Journalist 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 another point of entry to the United States.

Yankiel Suárez, who is now in charge of his five minor children, issued a warning to the community: “I advise everyone to take great care and not to go out unless they are citizens.”

Upcoming Court Hearing

Yaima is scheduled to appear at a court hearing on April 6, and her immigration lawyer remains hopeful that she will be granted bail and not face deportation.

The case represents an emblematic example of how current immigration policies can affect established families in the United States, especially those with minor or remote criminal backgrounds.

Impact on Family

The arrest has left Yankiel Suárez as the sole caregiver for their five children, including three with autism. The family’s situation highlights the collateral damage that immigration enforcement can have on U.S. citizen children and families with mixed immigration status.

The emotional and financial burden of legal proceedings, combined with the uncertainty of Yaima’s future, exemplifies the human cost of current immigration policies that prioritize enforcement over family unity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a permanent resident be deported for old criminal records?

Yes, under the Immigration and Nationality Act, permanent residents can be deemed deportable for certain crimes, even if they are old. Each re-entry to the country is considered a new application for admission, where these backgrounds can be reviewed.

What is cancellation of removal for permanent residents?

Cancellation of removal is legal relief that allows certain permanent residents to avoid deportation if they have lived continuously in the United States for at least 15 years and meet other specific requirements.

Is it riskier to travel to Cuba as a permanent resident?

Currently yes, especially for people with criminal backgrounds. Cuba is on ICE’s list of non-cooperative countries, resulting in greater scrutiny for those returning from the island.

What should permanent residents do before traveling abroad?

It is highly recommended to consult with an immigration attorney before traveling, especially if they have any criminal background, even if it is minor or old. Legal consultation can identify potential risks.

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This article is part of our continuing coverage of immigration issues affecting the Cuban community in the United States. For more information about immigration policies and permanent resident rights, check our related articles.