Rogelio Enrique Bolufé Izquierdo, a former major with Cuba's Ministry of the Interior (MININT), was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Hialeah. He faces accusations of cocaine possession and has been moved to a detention center in Texas, amid proceedings that could lead to his deportation to either Mexico or Ecuador.
According to journalist Mario J. Pentón, reporting for Martí Noticias, Bolufé lacks residency in the United States, placing him in a precarious immigration status. Despite residing in Miami for several years and publicly presenting himself as an opposition figure, he neither held a work permit nor residency, making him subject to deportation at any moment. A source close to Bolufé confirmed this to Pentón.
The arrest took place on August 17 during a routine check at the intersection of W 4th Ave and W 29th St. in Hialeah. Although Bolufé was not initially the target of the operation, a search revealed a plastic bag containing a white powder, allegedly cocaine, in his pocket. He did not resist arrest and was taken into custody.
On social media, Bolufé portrayed himself as "the liberator of Cuba" and claimed in 2020 to have worked within Fidel Castro's personal security division, a claim that remains unverified. His name appears on the National List of Terrorists published by the Cuban regime, linking him to alleged sabotage plans against energy infrastructures.
ICE is reportedly exploring deportation options, though not to Cuba—where the regime labels him as a "terrorist"—but rather to Mexico or Ecuador, countries he has previously traveled through, according to sources familiar with the case, as reported by Pentón.
His son, Carlos Rogelio Bolufé García, maintains his father's innocence, finding the drug charges "strange," though he acknowledges his father's alcohol consumption, as shared with the Martí Noticias journalist.
The case has sparked controversy due to Bolufé's connections with prominent figures in the Castro regime. On social media, he shared images with Sandro Castro, Fidel's grandson, in various gatherings and business settings in Havana.
Bolufé served over 15 years in Fidel Castro’s personal security team and arrived in the United States in 2020 as a supposed "defector," a term he later downplayed. In interviews following his arrival in the U.S., he stated that he lived in Fidel Castro's residence for work-related purposes. He described his role as focused on "intelligence tasks and information gathering," clarifying that he did not accompany Castro on international trips.
Key Questions about Rogelio Enrique Bolufé Izquierdo's Arrest and Immigration Status
What charges is Rogelio Enrique Bolufé Izquierdo facing?
He is facing charges of cocaine possession following his arrest by ICE agents in Hialeah.
Why is Bolufé in an immigration limbo?
Bolufé does not have residency or a work permit in the United States, making him deportable at any time.
What is Bolufé's connection to the Castro regime?
He served in Fidel Castro's personal security team for over 15 years and has been linked to prominent figures within the regime.
What are the possible deportation countries for Bolufé?
ICE is considering deporting Bolufé to Mexico or Ecuador, not Cuba, due to his status as a "terrorist" according to the Cuban regime.