U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents have apprehended two Cuban nationals in separate operations, labeling them as "violent foreign criminals." One was captured in San Antonio and the other in Detroit. These arrests highlight the agency's ongoing efforts to target individuals deemed as serious threats.
According to ICE's official release, the first individual is Lorenzo Menéndez-González, aged 68, who was taken into custody on Friday by the ICE San Antonio office. He was previously convicted of homicide in Austin, Texas, and received a 25-year prison sentence.
The second individual, Ricardo Robinson-Anglada, aged 59, was detained on Wednesday by ICE Detroit. His criminal record includes convictions for assault with the intent to inflict great bodily harm by strangulation, for which he was sentenced to up to 10 years. Additionally, he has been sentenced to up to 15 years for interfering with electronic communications, nine months for arson, 90 days for cocaine possession, 30 days for domestic violence, and time served for petty theft.
The official statement does not provide further information regarding subsequent immigration procedures, bail, or removal dates, beyond the arrests and criminal backgrounds of these individuals.
Both Cubans have been placed on the "worst of the worst" list, a designation ICE uses for those they consider to be "violent foreign criminals." This reflects the agency's stringent stance on individuals with serious criminal histories.
Under the Trump administration, immigrants, including Cubans, who have committed severe crimes have been deported to third countries. This action has faced criticism over allegations of arbitrary detentions and lack of access to legal defense.
A Supreme Court decision in June overturned previous judicial restrictions, enabling the White House to proceed with deporting certain immigrants to countries other than their own, even if doing so puts them at risk of torture or death.
ICE and Cuban Nationals: Key Questions Answered
What crimes were committed by the detained Cuban nationals?
Lorenzo Menéndez-González was convicted of homicide, while Ricardo Robinson-Anglada has multiple convictions including assault, interference with electronic communications, arson, cocaine possession, domestic violence, and petty theft.
Why are these individuals on ICE's "worst of the worst" list?
ICE classifies these Cuban nationals as "violent foreign criminals" due to their serious criminal histories, posing significant threats to public safety.
How has the Trump administration addressed immigrants with criminal records?
The Trump administration has deported immigrants with serious criminal offenses to third countries, amidst controversies of arbitrary detentions and limited legal defense rights.