The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced on Wednesday that Cuban national Tommy Gómez Mendibur was apprehended on November 4 during the Midway Blitz operation, in collaboration with the Indiana State Police, despite a judge having ordered his deportation months earlier.
According to a statement released by ICE on its X account, Gómez was set for deportation in June following a conviction for driving while intoxicated (DWI) and with pending charges related to human trafficking and weapons possession in Texas.
Despite these circumstances, he had remained in the U.S. and was caught while operating commercial trucks.
ICE elaborated that the arrest was part of an initiative aimed at tracking down immigrants with criminal backgrounds who remain in the country despite deportation orders.
"State borders don't stop criminals on the highways of the United States, but ICE and its 287(g) program partners do," the agency stated in its release.
Strengthened Immigration Control Efforts
The case of Gómez Mendibur is part of the intensified immigration enforcement operations led by federal authorities to locate foreigners with criminal histories who defy court-ordered deportations.
U.S. immigration authorities have ramped up surveillance and enforcement on Cuban nationals with criminal records or irregular immigration processes.
In this context, a Cuban with a criminal background was arrested in Miami by ICE agents following an anonymous tip that exposed his irregular immigration status and a criminal history involving domestic violence and drug possession.
The individual was residing without valid documentation and will face deportation proceedings.
Other Recent Arrests
In another related incident, a Cuban citizen was detained in Georgia by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents after it was confirmed that he faced multiple outstanding charges for fraud and theft across various states.
The man had entered the United States through the southern border and was on temporary release as his immigration case was being processed.
ICE also recently executed the deportation of a Cuban who was still in the process of obtaining residency under the Cuban Adjustment Act.
Despite initiating the legal process, authorities deemed his criminal record and a prior deportation order sufficient grounds for the measure.
Additionally, a Cuban who arrived in the country during the Mariel boatlift is awaiting deportation after spending decades in the United States.
Even though he had worked legally for years, ICE detained him, and he remains in a detention center, awaiting a decision that could end his stay in the U.S.
Key Questions About U.S. Immigration Enforcement
What is Operation Midway Blitz?
Operation Midway Blitz is an enforcement action coordinated by ICE and the Indiana State Police to locate and arrest immigrants with criminal records who are defying deportation orders.
Why was Tommy Gómez Mendibur ordered for deportation?
Tommy Gómez Mendibur was ordered for deportation due to a conviction for driving while intoxicated, along with pending charges for human trafficking and weapons possession.
How are U.S. authorities handling Cuban nationals with criminal backgrounds?
U.S. authorities have intensified their efforts to monitor and enforce immigration laws on Cuban nationals with criminal records or irregular immigration statuses.