Story perspectives

Cuban Mother Deported Amid Controversial ICE Crackdown

1/20/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Heidy Sánchez, a 44-year-old home health aide, was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement during a routine check-in in Tampa, Florida, in April 2024.
ICE instructed Sánchez's husband to pick up their 17-month-old daughter, who was breastfeeding.
Two days later, Sánchez was deported.
Under U.S. President Donald Trump, more than 1,600 Cubans were deported in 2025, nearly double 2024.
The case drew social media attention because she is Cuban.

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Story summary

Heidy Sánchez, a 44-year-old home health aide, was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement during a routine check-in in Tampa, Florida, in April 2024.
ICE instructed Sánchez's husband to pick up their 17-month-old daughter, who was breastfeeding.
Two days later, Sánchez was deported.
Under U.S. President Donald Trump, more than 1,600 Cubans were deported in 2025, nearly double 2024.
The case drew social media attention because she is Cuban.