The United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has announced the arrest of two Cuban nationals, describing them as "foreign criminals" and categorizing them as "the worst of the worst" due to their criminal records, which include fraud, identity theft, and charges related to human trafficking.
Among those arrested are Raidel Suárez Cruz, 36, taken into custody by ICE in Philadelphia, and Yohannis Bacardi Bague, 31, apprehended by ICE in St. Paul.
According to the report, Raidel Suárez Cruz was detained by ICE in Philadelphia after being convicted in a federal court for conspiring to encourage and induce aliens to enter the United States, as well as for encouraging and inducing aliens to enter the country. The case was processed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida, where Suárez received a nine-month prison sentence.
In the second case, ICE in St. Paul arrested Yohannis Bacardi Bague, who is reported to have convictions for identity theft and credit card fraud in Marshall County, Iowa, resulting in a four-year prison sentence.
These arrests are part of ICE's recent operations targeting Cuban nationals with criminal histories. Earlier in December, Luis Pérez Rivalta, 49, was arrested in Michigan with convictions noted by ICE for domestic violence, driving under the influence, and trafficking methamphetamine. Similarly, in Georgia, Miguel Reynoso-Alfonso was detained for cocaine smuggling.
Both individuals, as stated in the report, "face deportation orders" and remain in federal custody. ICE emphasizes that these actions are part of broader operations aimed at identifying and expelling immigrants with serious criminal backgrounds, asserting their mission to protect communities and enforce the nation's immigration laws.
ICE has reiterated its commitment to safeguarding American communities from repeat offenders and upholding immigration laws. A significant challenge in this mission is the Cuban government's reluctance to accept citizens with criminal histories.
As a consequence, some Cubans with final deportation orders have been sent to third countries, which can pose additional risks for them.
Cuban Nationals Arrested by ICE: Key Questions Answered
Why were Raidel Suárez Cruz and Yohannis Bacardi Bague arrested by ICE?
Raidel Suárez Cruz was arrested for conspiracy to encourage illegal immigration, while Yohannis Bacardi Bague faced charges of identity theft and credit card fraud.
What are the implications of the Cuban government's reluctance to accept deported citizens?
The reluctance of the Cuban government to accept deported citizens leads to some individuals being sent to third countries, which can pose additional risks for those deported.