A Cuban national with a criminal history in the United States has been apprehended by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Washington D.C. This comes amid an intensified crackdown on immigrants. The individual, Pablo Enrique Sosa-Elizalde, was accused of being in the country illegally and previously convicted on two counts of theft in Loudoun County, Virginia. He served a 12-month prison sentence for these offenses, as reported by ICE on social media, alongside a photo of the detained individual.
The situation involving Sosa-Elizalde is not unique. In recent weeks, ICE has reported numerous arrests of Cuban nationals with criminal convictions as part of their strategy to remove individuals with irregular status and criminal backgrounds from the streets.
Arrests of Cuban Nationals with Criminal Records
In New Orleans, agents detained Rainel Pedroso, sentenced to 15 months in prison for transporting an undocumented alien, and Osmani Mompié, accused of conspiring to transport illegal immigrants, endangering their lives. Additionally, in the same city, Robert Santiesteban was arrested. He faced charges of drug trafficking, illegal possession of a weapon, and theft of services. In a sardonic remark, ICE commented on his arrest: “He called it trafficking. We call it a one-way ticket.”
Challenges in Deportation
Among the most severe cases is that of Joaquín Palacios Juncal, recently captured and labeled a "serial offender" by the Department of Homeland Security. His record includes aggravated child abuse, assault with a deadly weapon, domestic violence, and cocaine possession.
While many of these Cuban nationals are candidates for immediate deportation, the Havana regime often refuses to accept individuals with serious criminal convictions or those who have been living outside the island before 2017. In such instances, the U.S. has turned to deport them to third countries.
In recent operations, three Cubans convicted of serious crimes were deported to South Sudan and Eswatini in Africa. ICE has emphasized that there will be "zero tolerance" for illegal immigrants with criminal records and that they will use "all available legal authority" to expel them from the country.
Frequently Asked Questions about ICE Operations and Deportations
What happens to Cuban nationals with criminal records in the U.S.?
Cuban nationals with criminal records in the U.S. are often targeted by ICE for arrest and possible deportation. However, deportation back to Cuba can be complicated if the Cuban government refuses to accept them, leading to deportation to third countries.
Why does the Cuban government refuse to accept deported individuals?
The Cuban government often refuses to accept deported individuals who have serious criminal convictions or have been residing outside of Cuba since before 2017, complicating the deportation process.
What is ICE's stance on illegal immigrants with criminal histories?
ICE maintains a policy of "zero tolerance" for illegal immigrants with criminal records, asserting that it will utilize "all available legal authority" to expel them from the United States.