The United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has released images of the recent apprehension of a Cuban national. This individual, who is unlawfully residing in the U.S., has previous convictions related to drug manufacturing and trafficking. The arrest occurred during an operation in San Antonio, Texas.
Luis Alba Navarro, age 37, has a long criminal history involving the production and distribution of heroin and methamphetamines, as well as charges for marijuana possession and sales, document forgery, and other narcotic-related offenses. These details were disclosed in a statement on the agency's official website.
Alba Navarro was captured on May 15 in a collaborative operation between ICE and other agencies, including the FBI, U.S. Border Patrol, the DEA, and the Texas Department of Public Safety. This operation resulted in the arrest of 275 undocumented immigrants between May 11 and May 17, of which 178 had criminal records.
A judge had issued a deportation order for Alba Navarro on March 1, 2018, yet he failed to self-deport, according to authorities. His arrest and forthcoming deportation are part of a broader enforcement of immigration policies under the renewed leadership of President Donald Trump, who returned to the White House in January.
The most prominent case has been the deportation of two Cuban nationals with significant criminal records to South Sudan. Enrique Arias Hierro, a 47-year-old from Miami-Dade County, and José Manuel Rodríguez Quiñones, 54, who lived in various Florida counties, were part of an ICE-coordinated operation involving a total of eight foreign nationals with serious criminal convictions and final deportation orders.
Arias Hierro had been convicted of murder, armed robbery, kidnapping, and identity theft, while Rodríguez Quiñones faced charges of attempted murder, theft, and animal trafficking. Both were deemed threats to public and national security by ICE.
This contentious deportation operation to South Sudan aligns with the Trump administration's strategy to relocate immigrants whom their countries of origin, such as Cuba, refuse to accept. The number of Cubans with deportation orders in the U.S. stands at 42,084, yet the Cuban government refuses to take them back.
Recently, it was reported that ICE agents in Sacramento, California, apprehended Cuban national Pedro Sánchez Izquierdo, who has a conviction for murder.
Key Questions About Recent Cuban Arrests and Deportations
Why was Luis Alba Navarro arrested in Texas?
He was arrested due to his illegal residency in the U.S. and his extensive criminal history involving drug manufacturing and trafficking.
What was the outcome of the ICE operation in San Antonio?
The operation led to the arrest of 275 undocumented immigrants, 178 of whom had criminal records.
Why are some Cuban nationals being deported to South Sudan?
Due to Cuba's refusal to accept deportees, the U.S. is relocating them to third countries like South Sudan as part of its immigration strategy.
How many Cubans are currently facing deportation from the U.S.?
There are 42,084 Cubans with deportation orders in the United States.