In a significant move, the United States has deported Daniel Morejón García, a former Cuban Ministry of the Interior official implicated in the brutal suppression of the July 11, 2021 protests in Cuba. This action was confirmed by Martí Noticias, citing a spokesperson from the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Morejón García, who had concealed his ties to the Cuban regime and his involvement in repressive activities, was apprehended on April 30 in South Florida. His arrest was carried out by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), in collaboration with the FBI and Customs and Border Protection (CBP). On that very day, a judge ordered his deportation, which was executed on May 30.
An ICE representative highlighted that Morejón failed to disclose his association with the Ministry of the Interior or his role in the crackdown on Cuban citizens during the July 11th protests. Once his background was verified, he was promptly expelled from the country.
The deportation has been hailed as a "measure of justice" by the Foundation for Human Rights in Cuba (FHRC), which initiated the complaint against him. "For those serving lengthy sentences in Cuba for demanding freedom, knowing that this repressor is no longer on U.S. soil offers at least a semblance of justice," remarked Luis Domínguez, an FHRC investigator.
Morejón García’s Repressive Ties and the MININT Connection
According to ICE, Morejón García once led the National Defense Council in Artemisa and was an active member of the Rapid Response Brigades, a paramilitary group organized by the Cuban regime to suppress demonstrations. There is extensive photographic and documentary evidence showing his direct involvement in the repressive acts of July 11th, where he was seen attacking protesters as part of his state duties.
The investigation revealed that Morejón deliberately omitted his membership in the Communist Party of Cuba and his association with the Ministry of the Interior in his immigration application. ICE obtained official Cuban government documents confirming these affiliations.
Since his deportation to Cuba, the FHRC has received fresh reports of Morejón intimidating individuals who cooperated with the investigation that led to his arrest in Miami. Witnesses from Las Cañas, Artemisa, his hometown, have observed him escorted by Ministry of the Interior agents, threatening those who testified against him. "It's evident he has resumed his connections with State Security," stated Domínguez.
A Record of Abuses
Morejón García is prominently listed online among Cuban repressors accused of crimes against humanity. He is directly linked to the arrest and assault of Armando Martínez Luis, a July 11th protester sentenced to eight years in prison, as well as Rolando González Arévalo and Richael Cantún Morales, who were also jailed after attempting to defend Martínez.
At the time of his arrest, Morejón was residing in Miami at his daughter's home, having entered the U.S. without disclosing his repressive past. This case sparked significant concern within the exiled community, which has called for stricter scrutiny of potential repressors entering the United States under false pretenses.
"It's unacceptable that those responsible for abuses and persecution in Cuba seek refuge in the very country where their victims live," commented an exiled activist.
Congressman Carlos Giménez has included Morejón’s name on a list of over 100 Cuban repressors identified by activists and human rights organizations. ICE encourages the public to report suspected human rights violators entering the United States, emphasizing that reports can be made anonymously by calling 866-DHS-2423 or through the agency's online form.
As of now, the Cuban regime has not issued any official comments regarding Morejón García's return.
Questions About Cuban Repressors and U.S. Deportation
Why was Daniel Morejón García deported from the United States?
Daniel Morejón García was deported because he concealed his role in the Cuban regime's repressive activities and his affiliation with the Ministry of the Interior during his immigration process.
What role did Daniel Morejón García play in the Cuban government's actions?
Morejón García was involved in the suppression of the July 11, 2021 protests as a member of the Rapid Response Brigades, a paramilitary group used by the Cuban government to quash dissent.
How did the deportation of Morejón García impact the exiled Cuban community in the U.S.?
The deportation was seen as a justice measure by the exiled Cuban community, which has been advocating for tighter controls on potential repressors entering the United States.