Woman deported after attending immigration meeting in Tampa.
Community groups and advocates in Tampa are mobilizing for a demonstration scheduled for Saturday, aimed at raising awareness about the recent deportation of Heydi Sánchez Tejeda, a 44-year-old Cuban mother and wife. This event comes in the wake of her deportation, which occurred on Thursday following a routine immigration appointment in Tampa.
Sánchez Tejeda was detained during a regular check-in at the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) office on Tuesday morning. Following her arrest, she was transported to a correctional facility in Pinellas County and subsequently taken to Miami, where she was deported the following day alongside other Cuban nationals on a flight back to Cuba.
Her husband, Carlos Yuniel Valle, 40, expressed his distress over the situation, stating that the family is facing significant hardship due to her absence. The couple, married for four years, has a 1-year-old daughter. Valle is making efforts to support his wife from afar by sending money and supplies, highlighting the difficulty of their current situation and his desire for her return to the family.
Sánchez Tejeda arrived in the United States through the southern border five years ago, initially placed under a temporary stay permit known as the I-220B form. This status provides no legal residency nor immunity from deportation. According to Valle, her immigration journey involved significant challenges, including being placed in the “Remain in Mexico” program, which required asylum seekers to wait in Mexico for immigration court hearings. After missing one hearing due to safety concerns, she eventually entered the U.S. but faced detention for nine months.
During her detention, Sánchez Tejeda developed health issues, specifically kidney problems, which contributed to her decision not to contest the deportation order issued against her. Although deportation was initially delayed due to Cuba’s refusal to accept deportees, she was eventually released and granted the temporary I-220B status. Valle submitted a petition for permanent legal status for his wife two years ago, but he claims to have received no response from immigration authorities.
Sánchez Tejeda’s recent appointment, originally scheduled for April 30, was moved up unexpectedly, raising concerns over her treatment during the process. Valle emphasized his wife’s good character, noting she has no criminal record and works as a caregiver for the elderly while being a devoted mother.
The demonstration in support of Sánchez Tejeda is set for 1 p.m. Saturday at 801 N Florida Ave., Tampa. Community supporters hope to highlight the challenges faced by immigrant families in similar situations, as well as advocate for policies that consider the humanitarian aspects of their cases.
As the situation unfolds, the family and their advocates remain hopeful for a resolution that allows Sánchez Tejeda to reunite with her family in the United States.
(Media News Source)
