Cuban Resident Arrested at Miami Airport After Cuba Trip

The case of Yaima de las Mercedes Suárez has shaken Miami’s Cuban community and exposed the vulnerabilities permanent residents face under the Trump administration’s tightened immigration policies. The mother of five minor children—three with autism—was arrested by ICE at Miami International Airport after returning from a family trip to Cuba.

The arrest that changed everything

Yaima traveled to Cuba for a strictly family purpose: for her grandmother to meet her granddaughter and to bring flowers to her father’s grave, who had passed away before she could say goodbye. Her husband, Yankiel Suárez, stated they didn’t foresee any issues: “My wife traveled to Cuba thinking there was no problem at all because she even revalidated her residency.”

However, upon returning on March 28, ICE arrested her based on criminal records from July 2013, when she was 21 years old and pregnant. Yaima was accused of fuel theft along with four others in Manatee County, Florida, facing conspiracy and theft charges.

The decision that haunts her

According to her family, Yaima pleaded guilty to avoid giving birth in prison, as she was about to deliver her eldest daughter. Her lawyer explained that for years she had no other background: “Her criminal record remained clean until this year, but the lawyer representing her claims she should not have left the country without consulting.”

The case illustrates a critical point in immigration law: 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.

Family and legal crisis

The detention has left Yankiel in charge of five minor children, including three with autism. “I advise everyone to take great care and not to leave unless they are citizens,” he warned the community.

Yaima’s legal team is working on several fronts:

• Bail request arguing she’s not subject to mandatory detention
• Writ of habeas corpus as alternative means to challenge detention legality
• Exploring cancellation of removal options

Critical legal limitations

One of the most significant 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.

Context of tightened policies

The case unfolds against the backdrop of tightened immigration policies under the Trump administration, which has intensified airport controls 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, increasing scrutiny on those returning from the island.

A troubling trend

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 international airports or other US entry points.

The statistics are alarming:

• 5,286 Cubans deported under Trump in 2026 (historic record)
• 300,000 Cubans in legal limbo after asylum processing suspension
• 42,000 deportation orders pending for Cubans

Decisive hearing ahead

Yaima is scheduled for a court hearing on April 6, where her immigration lawyer remains hopeful she will be granted bail and avoid deportation. The case could set an important precedent for other permanent residents in similar situations.

Frequently asked questions

Can permanent residents be deported for old criminal records?

Yes. Under the Immigration and Nationality Act, permanent residents with convictions for certain crimes can be deported upon re-entry, even if the records are years old.

Why is Cuba on the non-cooperative countries list?

ICE classified Cuba as non-cooperative since December 2024, meaning increased scrutiny for those traveling from the island and difficulties in deportation processes.

What legal options does Yaima have?

Her lawyers are exploring bail requests, writ of habeas corpus, and potential cancellation of removal, although the latter requires 15 years of residence she hasn’t yet fulfilled.

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

Experts recommend extreme caution. Residents with any criminal background, no matter how old, should consult with an immigration attorney before traveling.

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This story is developing in real time. Yaima de las Mercedes Suárez’s hearings continue, and her case could establish important precedents for the Cuban community in the United States.