In a recent operation conducted by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), another Cuban national with a criminal history has been taken into custody. The individual, identified as Roberto Mosquera-Del Peral, is a 58-year-old Cuban citizen, ICE announced on the platform X this Monday.
Mosquera-Del Peral has been previously convicted of "homicide, aggravated assault on a police officer with a weapon, and aggravated assault resulting in bodily harm or disability" in Miami-Dade, FL, according to the report. His immigration status is now under review by ICE's Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO), which may pursue his deportation in the coming days.
This arrest comes as part of the deportation policies implemented during the Trump Administration. Such policies have faced criticism from migrant advocacy organizations, as they often target individuals who, despite past convictions, have integrated into U.S. society and are law-abiding residents. Nevertheless, these individuals remain targets of sweeping immigration raids that fail to consider personal circumstances.
In late May, ICE reported the detention of another Cuban national, aged 37, with a history of drug-related offenses. The arrest took place on May 15, and the individual had previous convictions for manufacturing and distributing heroin and methamphetamines, as well as possession of marijuana, document forgery, and other narcotics-related charges.
Around the same time, the deportation of two Cuban nationals on a contentious flight that made a stopover in South Sudan drew attention. This measure was labeled "inhumane" by civil rights attorneys. The U.S. government has indicated that it might deport individuals to a third country if their home nations, like Cuba, which currently has suspended migration negotiations, refuse to accept them back.
ICE Operations and Cuban Nationals: Key Questions
What charges does Roberto Mosquera-Del Peral face?
Roberto Mosquera-Del Peral has prior convictions for homicide, aggravated assault on a police officer with a weapon, and aggravated assault causing bodily harm or disability in Miami-Dade, FL.
What is ICE's role in deportation?
ICE's Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) handles the arrest, detention, and deportation of individuals who violate immigration laws, including those with criminal records.
Why are ICE's deportation policies controversial?
ICE's deportation policies have been criticized for targeting individuals who have reintegrated into U.S. society despite past convictions, often disregarding individual circumstances and separating families.