The United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) released images on Friday showing the arrest of Jorge Luis Vega García, a former lieutenant colonel of Cuba's Ministry of the Interior (MININT). The arrest occurred on Tuesday in Florida.
On their X account, ICE's Tampa office shared photographs capturing the moment agents apprehended Vega García, who is accused of participating in torture during the 2003 Black Spring crackdown. "There is no safe haven in the U.S. for individuals attempting to evade their violent past," the agency stated in the post.
ICE elaborated that the 55-year-old Vega García was detained due to his alleged connections with the Castro regime and the Communist Party of Cuba. Known as "Veguita" among former political prisoners, he faces accusations related to his alleged involvement in repressive actions within Cuban prisons.
According to journalist Mario J. Pentón, Vega García legally entered the U.S. on January 20, 2024, through Tampa International Airport under the Humanitarian Parole program. His presence in the U.S. sparked controversy after it emerged that he had managed the notorious Agüica and Canaleta prisons in Matanzas during a peak of repression against dissidents.
The arrest followed a report by Pentón, which compiled testimonies from numerous former political prisoners, including Benito Ortega Suárez, Pablo Pacheco Ávila, Blas Giraldo Reyes, and Fidel Suárez Cruz. They accuse Vega of ordering physical and psychological torture, prolonged solitary confinements, and beatings during the 2003 Black Spring when 75 dissidents were detained by Fidel Castro's regime.
Documents signed by Vega García both in Cuba and the U.S. were instrumental in confirming his identity. Additionally, Lainersy Ávila Castro, a former official of the Cuban penitentiary system, verified that Vega was promoted before retiring from MININT, refuting any attempts to dissociate from his repressive past.
Victims such as Fidel Suárez Cruz and Blas Giraldo Reyes expressed satisfaction with the arrest, viewing it as an act of justice and a crucial step towards holding perpetrators accountable for their crimes.
Key Questions About the Arrest of Jorge Luis Vega García
Who is Jorge Luis Vega García?
Jorge Luis Vega García is a former lieutenant colonel of Cuba's Ministry of the Interior, accused of being involved in torture during Cuba's 2003 Black Spring.
Why was Jorge Luis Vega García arrested in Florida?
He was arrested due to his alleged involvement with the Castro regime and accusations of torturing political prisoners.
How did ICE confirm Jorge Luis Vega García's identity?
His identity was confirmed using documents he signed in both Cuba and the United States.