In Denver, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers have taken into custody Maykel Rodríguez, a 38-year-old Cuban national with a criminal history in the United States. According to the official ICE account on social media platform X, Rodríguez has a prior arrest record for "assault on a peace officer."
Authorities have indicated that Rodríguez will remain in custody while his immigration proceedings are underway. ICE has not disclosed further details regarding his entry date into the country or any potential pending federal charges.
This arrest aligns with the Trump administration's tough stance on immigrants with criminal backgrounds. Over recent months, several Cubans have been apprehended under similar circumstances. In New Orleans, ICE recently reported the capture of Yordan Rodríguez, another Cuban national, who was found guilty of drug possession and trafficking, as well as charges of assault and resisting arrest. He is set to undergo deportation proceedings.
Official data reveals that in just seven months, more than 149,000 undocumented immigrants have been detained nationwide by ICE and other federal and state agencies. Deportation rates have also hit a historic high, with an average of 1,435 individuals expelled daily in recent weeks.
While a significant number of Cubans with criminal records have been arrested and deported during this period, there are also documented cases of island immigrants without criminal history or final deportation orders being detained by ICE and facing expulsion.
According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), as of late 2024, over 42,000 Cubans in the United States had final deportation orders. However, the Cuban government has refused to accept those with criminal records or those who emigrated before the "wet foot/dry foot" policy ended in January 2017.
Due to Havana's refusal, Washington has resorted to deporting Cubans to third countries. Three individuals with extensive criminal backgrounds were sent to South Sudan and Eswatini, while others have been transported to Mexico on deportation flights. Nonetheless, under current bilateral agreements, more than 580 Cubans have been returned directly to the island since the beginning of this year.
Frequently Asked Questions about ICE Detentions and Cuban Nationals
What is the reason behind Maykel Rodríguez's detention by ICE?
Maykel Rodríguez was detained by ICE due to his prior arrest for assaulting a peace officer. He is currently in custody as his immigration proceedings move forward.
How has the U.S. government been handling deportations of Cuban nationals?
The U.S. has been deporting Cuban nationals with criminal records to third countries like South Sudan and Eswatini due to Cuba's refusal to accept them. Additionally, more than 580 Cubans have been returned directly to the island under existing agreements.