In a recent operation, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents apprehended Jorge Luis Díaz García, a Cuban national with a criminal record in the United States. His offenses include charges for vehicular assault, four counts of reckless endangerment, and driving under the influence. The arrest, which occurred this week without incident, is part of the federal "Worst of the Worst" initiative aimed at identifying and deporting high-risk foreign nationals deemed threats to public safety. While ICE did not specify the exact date, they confirmed that Díaz García was detained in early August in Louisiana.
The regional ICE office announced that Díaz García will face an immigration judge and his case will proceed to deportation. As is common with other Cuban migrants with criminal histories, his removal is contingent on the response from the Cuban government, which often refuses to accept nationals with criminal backgrounds.
During the same operation, ICE also arrested Eduardo Fundora Setién, age 59, with convictions for domestic assault, and Eduardo Luis Machín Pozo, who has an extensive criminal record related to drug offenses. These cases, alongside Díaz García's, are part of ICE's strategy to remove immigrants considered serious threats.
Recent reports indicate that in the past few weeks, at least seven Cubans with criminal records have been detained by ICE in New Orleans, highlighting increased surveillance in the city.
Escalating Numbers and International Implications
Nationally, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) estimates there are over 42,000 Cubans with final deportation orders in the United States. However, many remain as the Cuban government often refuses to accept them. From January to June this year alone, ICE conducted over 129,000 immigrant arrests, with an additional 50,000 occurring in just the past eight weeks. While most detainees are from Mexico and Central America, Cubans are increasingly appearing in these statistics.
The latest repatriation flight to Cuba included 118 individuals, comprising 96 men and 22 women. In scenarios where Cuba declines to receive repatriated individuals with criminal records, the U.S. considers relocation to third countries with which it has migration cooperation agreements.
ICE has reiterated its commitment to employing "all available legal tools" to keep undocumented immigrants with criminal records out of the U.S., urging those with ongoing cases to seek legal advice.
Understanding ICE's Deportation Process for Cuban Nationals
Why was Jorge Luis Díaz García arrested by ICE?
Jorge Luis Díaz García was arrested by ICE due to his criminal record, which includes charges for vehicular assault, reckless endangerment, and driving under the influence, making him a target under the "Worst of the Worst" initiative.
What challenges does ICE face in deporting Cuban nationals?
ICE often faces challenges in deporting Cuban nationals because the Cuban government frequently refuses to accept nationals with criminal histories, complicating the removal process.
How many Cuban nationals have deportation orders in the U.S.?
The Department of Homeland Security estimates there are over 42,000 Cuban nationals with final deportation orders in the United States.