A Cuban national with a significant criminal history, including kidnapping and illegal sexual activity with a minor, and a final deportation order has been apprehended by immigration authorities in Hollywood, Florida. The arrest took place on June 25 during a "law enforcement operation aimed at tackling foreign criminals," reported Michael W. Banks, Chief of the U.S. Border Patrol (USBP) on the social media platform X.
The Cuban individual, whose identity remains undisclosed, has been convicted of illegal sexual conduct with a minor, kidnapping of a minor, grand theft, and has faced multiple arrests for other lesser offenses. Banks emphasized that the man is currently in custody, and the final deportation order will be enforced.
This arrest is part of a broader national operation involving the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and other federal and state agencies, targeting and expelling individuals dubbed as "the worst of the worst" by U.S. immigration authorities. Among recent arrests, Vladimir Blanco Menéndez, a 45-year-old Cuban national convicted of illegal sexual activities with a minor in Palm Beach County, Florida, was detained by ICE in Miami. Additionally, Gaspar Minardo Velázquez Ávila, aged 64, with multiple charges of sexual assault against minors, was also taken into custody in Miami.
ICE processes illegal immigrants, many of whom have been convicted of severe crimes, to deport them either to their home countries or third-party nations if their governments refuse their return. According to official data, 42,084 Cubans in the U.S. have final deportation orders but are under supervised release, as the Cuban government refuses to accept them back.
The regime has been reluctant to take back those who have remained outside the country since before 2017 or those with criminal records, prompting the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to explore other options, such as the expedited deportation in May of two Cuban nationals to South Sudan, a high-risk country.
Amid rising tensions between the judiciary and the Trump administration, the Supreme Court ruled on June 23 to resume deportations of immigrants to third countries, without prior notice or the chance to contest their removal from the United States.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cuban Deportations
Why won't Cuba accept deported nationals?
Cuba has shown reluctance to accept nationals who have remained outside the country since before 2017 or those with criminal records, citing concerns over public safety and political reasons.
What happens to Cuban nationals with deportation orders?
Cuban nationals with deportation orders are placed under supervised release in the U.S. while authorities seek alternative solutions, such as deportation to third countries.
How does ICE handle immigrants with criminal records?
ICE prioritizes the arrest and deportation of immigrants with serious criminal convictions, working with other agencies to ensure compliance with U.S. immigration laws.