The United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced on Friday the apprehension of Elkis Lázaro Hermida, a Cuban national, in Los Angeles. Hermida had been convicted of committing lewd acts with a minor. Described as a "child predator" by immigration authorities, Hermida is currently in custody and faces deportation proceedings.
Originally arrested in May 2011, Hermida admitted to engaging in a sexual relationship with a 13-year-old student while working as a math teacher at a Los Angeles middle school, according to official reports. Court documents reveal that these encounters occurred both on school premises and at motels during weekends. The victim, referred to as M. Sinai in legal documents, claimed she was manipulated by her teacher through social media and text messages.
In the criminal case, Hermida was convicted of lewd and lascivious acts with a minor, a serious offense under California law. He was later named as a co-defendant in a civil lawsuit against the Los Angeles Unified School District for negligence in hiring and supervising the teacher. However, Hermida was not formally notified of the civil trial and was dismissed from the proceedings before a verdict was reached. The school district was acquitted by the jury.
"ICE has arrested Elkis Lázaro Hermida, an undocumented Cuban immigrant convicted of lewd acts with a minor. This child predator is now in ICE custody awaiting deportation," stated ICE Los Angeles in an official release on their X account (formerly Twitter). The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) supported the move, emphasizing that their priority remains enforcing immigration laws against individuals with criminal backgrounds.
Although authorities labeled Hermida as "undocumented," sources suggest he may have held residency or some form of regular immigration status at the time of the incidents, given his employment as a public school teacher. It is believed his status might have expired or been revoked following his criminal conviction.
The arrest occurs amid heightened political tension surrounding immigration in the United States, with the Trump administration intensifying immigration control operations and prioritizing the removal of individuals with criminal records. While some segments of the public have applauded the measure, immigrant rights activists stress the importance of fair processes that respect the civil rights of the accused, even in severe cases.
According to internal ICE data obtained by Fox News, over 42,000 Cubans face deportation orders in the U.S., but the Cuban regime refuses to accept them. As a result, several detainees with criminal backgrounds have been sent to third countries' prisons; recently, two Cubans with criminal histories were transferred to South Sudan.
FAQs on Cuban Deportation and Criminal Records in the U.S.
What charges led to Elkis Lázaro Hermida's deportation proceedings?
Elkis Lázaro Hermida faced deportation proceedings after being convicted of lewd and lascivious acts with a minor, a serious crime in California.
How does ICE prioritize deportation cases?
ICE prioritizes deportation cases involving individuals with criminal records, as emphasized by the Department of Homeland Security's focus on enforcing immigration laws against such offenders.
Why are some Cuban nationals deported to third countries?
Due to the Cuban regime's refusal to accept deportees, some Cuban nationals with criminal backgrounds have been sent to third countries' prisons.