A 64-year-old Cuban resident of Miami has been taken into custody by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) due to his involvement in numerous sexual offenses against minors. The individual, identified as Gaspar Minardo Velázquez Ávila, has a criminal history of lewd and obscene acts involving children, according to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Velázquez Ávila was apprehended in Miami-Dade County, facing charges that include sexual assaults on children under the age of 12 by an adult over 18, along with other indecent acts. ICE Miami highlighted this arrest as part of an initiative to eliminate the "worst of the worst" from the streets, under their "zero tolerance" policy aimed at dangerous criminals, particularly those with a history of sexual offenses.
Listed in the Florida sex offender registry, Velázquez Ávila is marked as a registered sex offender residing in southwest Miami. Local authorities have warned the community of his dangerousness, emphasizing the necessity of reporting any suspicious activities related to such crimes.
In recent weeks, federal authorities have ramped up immigration raids, arresting several individuals, including Cuban nationals with criminal backgrounds. Among them was Roberto Mosquera-Del Peral, aged 58, who was detained in Miami on June 16. Mosquera had previous convictions for homicide and aggravated assault on a police officer, and ICE is currently reviewing his potential deportation.
On June 17, Pedro Pérez Barrera, a 73-year-old Cuban, was arrested for charges of sexual assault against a minor under 12. He had a final deportation order and was classified as an "aggravated felon."
Recently, on June 23, ICE reported the arrest of Joan Gil in Phoenix, Arizona. Gil had a deportation order since 2014 following his conviction for methamphetamine trafficking. The official message accompanying his arrest—“Self-deport before we find you, and we will find you”—drew criticism for its threatening tone.
Furthermore, on Monday, the U.S. Supreme Court granted President Donald Trump the authority to resume deportations to third countries without allowing migrants to present evidence of the risks they might face in those places. This ruling, passed by a conservative majority (6-3), overturns a previous court order safeguarding migrants from deportations to countries where they could encounter torture or death.
The liberal justices of the Supreme Court condemned this measure, describing it as a "reward for lawlessness," and cautioning that it could lead to deportations without notice or minimal assurances.
Key Questions Regarding ICE Operations and Deportations
What charges is Gaspar Minardo Velázquez Ávila facing?
Velázquez Ávila is charged with sexual assaults on minors under 12 and other lewd acts.
How has ICE intensified its operations recently?
ICE has increased raids, targeting individuals with criminal backgrounds, including several Cuban nationals.
What was the Supreme Court's recent decision on deportations?
The Supreme Court ruled to allow deportations to third countries without requiring migrants to show evidence of potential risks.