U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents recently apprehended Manuel Ismael Pérez, a registered sex offender, in the Florida Keys. Pérez, who illegally entered South Florida from Cuba several decades ago, was arrested during a recent operation. The arrest took place while Pérez was driving a blue Mitsubishi, with agents observing him holding a coffee cup before he was escorted to the CBP van and taken to the Border Patrol station in Marathon.
In a statement to a Local 10 journalist present during the operation, Pérez acknowledged his criminal past, stating, "I know my criminal record." His record includes sexual offenses against a minor, aggravated assault, and drug trafficking. Pérez also highlighted his deep roots in the area, mentioning, "I've been here 70 years. I have three children. I have eight grandchildren."
Nick Brady, a U.S. Border Patrol agent, emphasized the threat posed by Pérez, telling the media, "He's definitely someone we want out of the community." After processing at the Marathon Border Patrol station, Pérez was transferred to the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
High-Stakes Operations at the Border
In recent weeks, Border Patrol agents in the Florida Keys have detained nearly a dozen individuals, many with serious criminal backgrounds. Among those with deportation orders in the U.S. is another Cuban national, Osiel Rodríguez-González, who was found guilty of animal cruelty and has a history of domestic violence and cocaine distribution.
In a separate incident, Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) officers stopped a woman for a traffic violation, discovering she was wanted by federal authorities. The woman had a final deportation order issued by a judge after missing a court date a decade ago. The Border Patrol arrested her and took her to the station in Marathon.
Agency Collaboration for Law Enforcement
Border Patrol agents stress that their primary focus is apprehending individuals with violent backgrounds. They underscore the importance of cooperation with the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), ICE, and the Monroe County Sheriff's Office to ensure community safety. Traffic stops and joint operations have led to the identification and capture of dangerous individuals who might otherwise evade justice.
Understanding the Arrests in Florida
Why was Manuel Ismael Pérez arrested?
Manuel Ismael Pérez was arrested due to his status as a registered sex offender with a history of illegal entry into the U.S. and various criminal offenses, including sexual crimes against a minor and drug trafficking.
What actions are being taken against individuals with criminal records in the Florida Keys?
Border Patrol agents, in collaboration with other agencies, are actively detaining individuals with significant criminal histories to enhance community safety and enforce immigration laws.
How do joint operations contribute to law enforcement in Florida?
Joint operations between various law enforcement agencies, such as traffic stops and collaborative efforts, effectively identify and capture dangerous individuals, preventing them from evading justice.