Horse Theft in Florida Leads to Arrest of Cuban Immigrant; ICE Issues Detention Order

A young Cuban man's arrest in Hialeah for allegedly stealing horses in central Florida has reignited concerns over a long-standing issue troubling rural communities in the southern part of the state: the systematic theft of equines, often linked to illegal trafficking or clandestine slaughter.

The Volusia County Sheriff's Office reported that two out of four horses stolen from an Osteen property last week were found in south Florida. This discovery followed an investigation involving multiple state and federal agencies.

The suspect, identified as Lázaro Benítez Guzmán, 26, was apprehended in Hialeah and is facing charges of grand theft and trafficking stolen property.

Authorities highlighted an aspect of the case that has drawn particular attention. According to Click Orlando, Benítez Guzmán is an undocumented Cuban immigrant, prompting the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to issue a detention order alongside the criminal proceedings.

The investigation remains active as law enforcement continues to search for the remaining two horses, which are still missing.

Beyond the Arrest: A Pattern of Horse Thefts

This case is not isolated but part of a disturbing trend in south Florida, where similar incidents have been reported over the years, some involving extreme violence.

In rural areas of Miami-Dade and Broward counties, there have been documented instances of horse thefts resulting in the animals being slaughtered and butchered, allegedly to sell their meat illegally.

The emotional toll on owners has been profound, as many of these horses are considered family, having been raised for years.

Community Concerns and Cuban Immigrant Debate

Activists and locals have repeatedly warned that these are not isolated incidents. The recurring pattern—nighttime thefts, transportation of the animals to other counties, and the subsequent disappearance—has fueled fears of a clandestine network exploiting poorly monitored rural areas.

For Florida's Cuban community, this case also reopens a sensitive debate. The mention of the suspect's immigration status comes amid heightened scrutiny and stricter immigration policies, where crimes committed by undocumented immigrants are often magnified, leading to consequences beyond the criminal justice system.