In a recent operation, agents from the New Orleans branch of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detained Rainel Pedroso, a Cuban national previously sentenced in the United States to 15 months in prison for human trafficking. According to ICE's official report, Pedroso's criminal record includes a conviction for transporting an undocumented individual. The notice, which was accompanied by a photo showing the Cuban man handcuffed in a detention center, did not provide further details about his case.
Additionally, the New Orleans ICE office announced this month the arrest of another Cuban, Osmani Mompié, for conspiring to transport illegal immigrants, endangering their lives in the process. While authorities did not clarify whether either man has been deported or if expulsion proceedings have begun, such actions are generally assumed.
ICE has made it clear that they will not tolerate undocumented immigrants with criminal backgrounds. The agency has vowed to use "all available legal authority" to remove them from U.S. soil, even considering deportation to third countries if their home governments refuse to accept them.
As of December 2024, the number of deportable Cuban nationals had reached 42,084. However, the Cuban regime often refuses to accept many of these individuals, particularly those with criminal records or those who have been outside the country since before 2017.
In recent months, numerous Cubans with irregular status in the U.S. and previous criminal convictions or pending charges have been detained. Some have already been deported, while others await expulsion.
During the Trump Administration, Cuban citizens have been deported to third countries. In recent deportation operations, three individuals convicted of serious crimes were sent to South Sudan (2) and Eswatini (1) in Africa.
Key Facts About Cuban Deportations from the U.S.
What is the stance of ICE on deporting Cuban immigrants with criminal records?
ICE has a zero-tolerance policy for undocumented immigrants with criminal histories and is committed to using all legal means to deport them from the United States.
Why does Cuba refuse to accept deported nationals?
The Cuban regime often declines to accept deported nationals, especially those with criminal records or those who have lived outside Cuba since before 2017.
How many Cuban nationals are currently deportable from the U.S.?
As of December 2024, there were 42,084 Cuban nationals deemed deportable from the United States.