Fear Grows as Routine Immigration Check-Ins Lead to Detentions

Routine immigration check-ins in South Florida are turning into moments of fear and heartbreak for many immigrants seeking to legalize their status.

At Miami’s immigration court Thursday, several individuals were detained, leaving families in tears. Most of those taken into custody had entered the U.S. with an I-220A form, a document issued by border authorities. While it once allowed time to pursue legal remedies, that path is becoming increasingly uncertain.

Yanet Correa’s husband was detained and placed under expedited deportation after arriving for his scheduled check-in. “It’s a great injustice,” she cried out in Spanish.

Immigration attorney Janet Piñeiro said the legal handling of these cases has grown inconsistent. “When someone enters at the border, they’re processed under one law. Now in court, they’re using another,” she explained. Despite her efforts, Piñeiro says she’s been unable to formally contest the government’s actions in court.

Others, like Yulisa Hernandez, watched in horror as loved ones were taken. “I saw a man being taken—someone who was just outside with me. I collapsed,” she recalled. Though her husband was eventually released, she’s now terrified about her own upcoming check-in.

“I’m afraid,” she said. “We’re trying to do things the right way, but now there’s no confidence.”

Many immigrants with I-220A status now face growing uncertainty, fearing that an appointment meant to help fix their status could instead result in detention or deportation.