A Cuban national with a criminal record for drug possession with intent to distribute was apprehended in Texas this Tuesday by agents from the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has labeled Gilberto Ruiz Broche, 61, as one of the "worst of the worst" among the illegal immigrants arrested across the nation in recent hours. This group also includes individuals convicted of sexual assault, aggravated assault, and drug trafficking.
According to a DHS statement on its official website, Ruiz Broche was convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine in Austin, Texas.
He received a sentence of 17 years and six months in prison after being found guilty of these charges. It is unclear whether he had completed his sentence at the time of his arrest.
The DHS statement includes remarks from Secretary Kristi Noem, urging undocumented immigrants to self-deport. "We have a clear message for those illegally in our country: LEAVE NOW. If you do not self-deport, we will find you, arrest you, and deport you. Download the free CBP Home app today to self-deport."
ICE has intensified its efforts to remove illegal migrants with criminal backgrounds from U.S. communities. The agency reaffirms its commitment to apprehending and expelling foreigners deemed a threat to public safety.
Throughout various operations across the United States, numerous Cubans with completed sentences or pending charges for serious offenses have been arrested and are facing deportation proceedings.
However, the deportation of Cuban nationals is often a complex and drawn-out process due to the Cuban government's refusal to accept individuals with criminal histories or those who have been outside the island since before the 2017 migration agreements.
Cubans with extensive criminal records and final deportation orders have been sent to third countries, even when they have no personal ties to these nations and face risks of torture or death, as highlighted by human rights organizations and legal advocates.
At least four Cubans have been deported to African countries such as South Sudan, Eswatini, and Rwanda, while others have been transferred to Mexico.
DHS records show that over 42,000 Cubans have final deportation orders, but the Havana regime's reluctance to accept them back complicates the expulsion process.
Meanwhile, deportation flights from the U.S. to Cuba continue monthly, in accordance with the current migration agreements between the two governments.
The latest aerial operation to return migrants took place on November 6, when 232 Cubans were sent back to the island. This brings the total number of deportees under the Trump administration in 2025 to 1,231, significantly surpassing the 978 deportees recorded by President Joe Biden's administration since ICE deportation flights resumed in April 2023.
Cuban Deportation and Immigration Policies
Why is the deportation of Cuban nationals complex?
The deportation of Cuban nationals is complex due to the Cuban government's reluctance to accept individuals with criminal records or those who have been outside Cuba since prior migration agreements in 2017.
What crimes was Gilberto Ruiz Broche convicted of?
Gilberto Ruiz Broche was convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine in Austin, Texas.
How has ICE intensified its efforts against illegal immigrants?
ICE has stepped up its operations to remove illegal migrants with criminal records from U.S. communities, prioritizing the capture and deportation of those considered threats to public safety.
How many Cubans have final deportation orders?
Over 42,000 Cubans have final deportation orders according to DHS records.