Miami, Fla., Feb 28, 2005 / 22:00 pm
US officials are expected to present an official apology to Cardinal Jaime Ortega Alamino of Havana, Cuba, after the Vatican voiced concern over the cardinal’s detention by authorities at Miami International Airport.
According to El Nuevo Herald, Cardinal Ortega was questioned about the reasons for his visit and his political views on Fidel Castro's government. When he objected to a search of his luggage, the newspaper reported, Ortega was threatened with possible deportation.
The Herald added that US officials were concerned over the weekend about the possible repercussions of the incident.
Cardinal Ortega was eventually granted a 30-day visa and allowed to leave the airport.