A Washington Blade contributor from Cuba who won asylum in the U.S. participated in a congressional roundtable on Tuesday that focused on the treatment of U.S.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement detainees. Yariel Valdés González spent nearly a year in ICE custody before his release from a privately-run detention center in Louisiana on March 4, 2020.
United We Dream, an immigrant advocacy group, organized the roundtable that included Florida Congresswoman Donna Shalala and Debbie Murcasel-Powell.
Florida state Reps. Anna Eskamani, Dotie Joseph and Evan Jenne and Miami-Dade County Commissioner Daniella Levine Cava were among the other participants. “I ask you to please fight so that ICE can uphold dignity and human respect,” said Valdés.