The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has added another Cuban national to its list of the most dangerous illegal foreign criminals detained. This individual, identified as William Segade Herrera, faces numerous criminal charges, including drug trafficking and theft.
According to a statement from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Segade Herrera, who lacks legal status in the U.S., has been convicted of at least 11 offenses. He is currently held at the recently opened Speedway Slammer detention center in Indiana, a facility housing some of the most dangerous illegal foreign criminals apprehended by ICE. The DHS highlighted that the center accommodates "repeat offenders who are gang members, domestic abusers, individuals involved in gun-related crimes, and armed robbers."
Authorities report that Segade Herrera was apprehended for domestic violence and methamphetamine possession, leading to convictions for domestic violence, aggravated assault with a weapon, two counts of drug possession, three counts of shoplifting, three separate traffic violations, and possession of narcotics trafficking equipment.
Emphasizing the Trump administration's immigration policy, Tricia McLaughlin, Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security, warned that individuals residing illegally in the U.S. could end up in any ICE detention centers or be sent to CECOT in El Salvador. Those who violate U.S. laws will be located, arrested, and deported.
Segade Herrera is among a large number of Cuban nationals with criminal backgrounds detained by ICE across various states this year. These individuals are either awaiting deportation or have already been expelled. Although the DHS statement did not specify, Segade Herrera might be deported to a country other than Cuba if the Cuban government refuses to take him back. Havana's regime is known for rejecting the return of Cubans with criminal records in the U.S. or those who emigrated before January 2017.
The Trump administration has previously deported immigrants, including Cubans, with serious offenses to third countries. In June, a Supreme Court ruling overturned prior judicial blocks, permitting the deportation of certain immigrants to countries other than their origin, even if they face risks of torture or death.
Prior to this ruling, two Cuban nationals with extensive criminal records were sent to South Sudan, and another was deported to the Kingdom of Eswatini in July. Other Cuban nationals have been deported to Mexico, although the exact number remains undisclosed.
From January to September this year, 999 individuals were deported to Cuba via air, in accordance with existing immigration agreements between the two countries. Official DHS figures indicate that over 42,000 Cubans have final deportation orders from the United States. However, the island's regime's reluctance to accept them back has complicated the deportation process.
Key Questions about ICE's Detention of Cuban Nationals
What crimes has William Segade Herrera been convicted of?
William Segade Herrera has been convicted of 11 offenses, including domestic violence, aggravated assault with a weapon, drug possession, shoplifting, traffic violations, and possession of narcotics trafficking equipment.
Where is William Segade Herrera currently detained?
He is currently held at the Speedway Slammer detention center in Indiana, a facility that houses some of the most dangerous illegal foreign criminals detained by ICE.
Why might Segade Herrera be deported to a country other than Cuba?
If the Cuban government refuses to accept him back, Segade Herrera could be deported to a third country, as the Cuban regime often rejects nationals with criminal records or those who emigrated before January 2017.