Jorge Luis Vega García, a former lieutenant colonel of Cuba's Interior Ministry (MININT) accused of crimes against humanity due to his repressive history in high-security prisons, is now living freely in the United States. He entered the country legally through the humanitarian parole program. Known as "Veguita" by those who suffered under his command, Vega García has been identified by former political prisoners as a violent oppressor, responsible for brutal beatings, physical and psychological torture, inhumane treatment, and political persecution, according to journalist Mario J. Pentón from Martí Noticias.
Vega García's history includes overseeing the Agüica prison in Colón and later commanding the Canaleta prison in Perico, both located in the province of Matanzas. The platform Represores Cubanos - ¡Detengan la Violencia! reports that Vega García violated international regulations, such as the Mandela Rules and Article 3 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, by denying medical care, directing systematic beatings, and directly advising on prison repression mechanisms. Despite these allegations, he managed to enter the United States on January 20, 2024, through the Tampa Airport, accompanied by his wife and son, without his repressive history being detected by immigration authorities. He later applied for the Cuban Adjustment Act, as per sources close to the immigration process.
Testimonies of Abuse and Oppression
The testimonies identifying him as "Veguita" are damning:
"He was trained by Emilio Cruz, the top hitman at Agüica. He commanded groups of common prisoners to provoke us, steal our belongings, and beat us. He was cold, methodical, repressive," denounced Benito Ortega Suárez, a former political prisoner.
"Veguita is one of those faces that is etched into your soul. He kept us without sunlight, in isolation. Once, a young man jumped from the third floor rather than face one of his beatings," recounted Pablo Pacheco Ávila, from the Group of 75.
"Veguita told me to my face: 'You will never leave here,'" remembered Fidel Suárez Cruz, who still suffers physical consequences from the beatings.
He was also accused of oppressing families during prison visits. "He made life impossible for everyone who thought differently," stated Blas Giraldo Reyes, another former political prisoner.
Systemic Cover-Up and Call for Justice
Two sources with access to classified information in Cuba told Martí Noticias that Vega's personal file was erased from the Immigration and Foreign Affairs system, a common practice by the regime to facilitate the exit of trusted former officers. Even his Facebook account was deleted shortly after his arrival in the U.S. Documents obtained by journalists show his signatures both in Cuba and on U.S. soil, reinforcing the direct connection between his identity and the reported abuses.
This case has reignited criticism of the humanitarian parole program, which has allowed hundreds of thousands of people to enter without thorough vetting. For the victims, this is not a mere administrative oversight; it is a moral affront.
"I know peaceful dissidents who were beaten and not allowed into the U.S. Meanwhile, this man walks freely on our streets," lamented Ortega Suárez.
From exile, there is a demand for more than just deportation. Victims call for a criminal investigation, the identification of other similar cases, and the implementation of stricter controls in immigration programs.
A Network of Impunity Under Scrutiny
According to the Cuban exile community, at least 100 regime enforcers and proxies have settled in the U.S. in recent years. Congressman Carlos Giménez announced he will submit a new list to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to halt this infiltration.
Giménez, along with fellow congress members Mario Díaz-Balart and María Elvira Salazar, has demanded stronger government action. The arrest and subsequent deportation of repressor Daniel Morejón García last May set a precedent after his involvement in the repression of July 11th protests was uncovered.
"These communist monsters have no place here. They have committed crimes against humanity and now exploit our laws to retire in the U.S.," Giménez denounced.
Immigration authorities, including the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), have ramped up their investigations. Activists are calling for a more rigorous review of parole applications and residency requests from Cuban citizens with ties to the MININT, Rapid Response Brigade, and the Communist Party.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cuban Regime Enforcers in the U.S.
What accusations have been made against Jorge Luis Vega García?
Jorge Luis Vega García has been accused of crimes against humanity, including brutal beatings, physical and psychological torture, inhumane treatment, and political persecution in Cuban high-security prisons.
How did Vega García enter the United States?
Vega García entered the United States legally through the humanitarian parole program on January 20, 2024, via Tampa Airport, accompanied by his wife and son.
What actions are being taken to address this issue?
Congressman Carlos Giménez, along with other lawmakers, is pushing for stronger government action, including submitting a list to the Department of Homeland Security to curb the infiltration of Cuban regime enforcers into the U.S.