The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has announced the apprehension of three Cuban nationals with extensive criminal records, captured in operations conducted in Puerto Rico, San Diego, and New Orleans. These actions are part of ICE's "zero tolerance" policy targeting undocumented immigrants with criminal backgrounds in the United States.
Among those detained, ICE San Diego reported the arrest of 71-year-old Bernardo Hernández, originally from Cuba, who has a substantial criminal history including drug trafficking, drug possession, and reckless driving. The agency labeled him as "a clear danger to the community" and emphasized its commitment to removing criminals from the streets.
Simultaneously, ICE New Orleans confirmed the apprehension of Jorge Nadal, who has been charged with cocaine possession on three occasions, drug distribution, and simple robbery. The regional office warned that "bringing poison to our communities is the quickest route to being removed from them."
Another arrest took place late last month in San Juan, Puerto Rico, where agents from this U.S. government agency detained Maykel Negrín Núñez. He faces charges of homicide, violations of the Arms Act, illegal transportation of firearms, and domestic abuse. Authorities stated that Negrín Núñez was unlawfully present in the territory and will undergo removal proceedings.
These incidents are part of a broader series of recent detentions involving Cuban individuals in various states, including Maykel Rodríguez in Denver for assaulting a peace officer, and Bárbaro Reyes-Gómez in Texas, who was convicted of migrant smuggling and listed by ICE among the most dangerous foreign nationals under the label "The Worst of the Worst."
Immigration officials maintain that these operations are crucial for community safety and underscore their tough stance against criminality within the undocumented population. However, the arrests have reignited discussions about the effects of these measures on the Cuban community in the U.S., where thousands of undocumented immigrants live in fear of being swept up in these raids.
Implications of ICE's Actions on Cuban Immigrants
What is ICE's "zero tolerance" policy?
ICE's "zero tolerance" policy is a stringent approach toward undocumented immigrants who have criminal records, aiming to apprehend and remove them from the United States to enhance community safety.
How does ICE categorize dangerous foreign nationals?
ICE categorizes dangerous foreign nationals as those with extensive criminal records or involved in severe offenses, labeling them under terms like "The Worst of the Worst" to prioritize their removal.
What impact do these operations have on the Cuban community in the U.S.?
These operations have stirred concern and fear among the Cuban community in the U.S., where many undocumented immigrants worry about being targeted in ICE raids.