On Friday, U.S. Border Patrol agents took into custody a Cuban national in Key Largo, Florida, who was under a final deportation order and had an extensive criminal record, as announced by the agency on its official Facebook page.
The authorities reported that the individual had been previously convicted of serious offenses, including aggravated assault with a firearm, multiple theft charges, possession of stolen property, car theft, and other larcenies.
"A Cuban with a significant criminal history and an active deportation order was apprehended in Key Largo, FL," stated the Border Patrol in their release.
The image shared by the agency depicts the detainee handcuffed and flanked by two Miami Sector agents, with the words "CRIMINAL ALIEN" and "ARRESTED" emblazoned on the photo, a common practice in official postings during the Donald Trump administration regarding the arrest of immigrants with criminal backgrounds.
The Cuban remains in federal custody as immigration proceedings continue.
Heightened Enforcement in Key Largo
Key Largo, situated in Monroe County, falls under the jurisdiction of the Miami Sector of the Border Patrol, a region with heightened immigration activity due to its proximity to the Caribbean. Since the beginning of Trump's second term, this sector has intensified efforts to locate and detain immigrants with final deportation orders and criminal records.
This arrest adds to a series of recent operations in South Florida. In March, "Operation Tidal Wave" ended with the capture of 15 undocumented immigrants in Key Largo, including several Cubans charged with crimes such as aggravated assault, theft, and illegal possession of firearms.
Over the past weeks, federal authorities have also reported other arrests of Cuban nationals who remained in the U.S. despite having deportation orders issued years ago, a trend that has grown in recent months.
Escalating Deportations of Cuban Nationals
According to data from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) as of July 2026, over 42,000 Cubans have pending final deportation orders in the United States. Of these, at least 29,000 have criminal records.
Deportations have surged since Cuba began accepting the return of citizens with criminal backgrounds. On February 9, 2026, the Cuban regime received its first flight with deportees classified as serious offenders, a development that has expedited the deportation process. In the first five months of this year alone, the U.S. deported 612 Cubans on 18 direct flights to Havana.
Understanding Deportation and Criminal Records
Why was the Cuban national arrested in Key Largo?
The Cuban national was arrested due to having a final deportation order and an extensive criminal record, which included serious offenses such as aggravated assault with a firearm and multiple theft-related charges.
What is the significance of the Miami Sector in Border Patrol operations?
The Miami Sector is crucial due to its high immigration activity, largely because of its proximity to the Caribbean. The sector has intensified efforts to detain immigrants with criminal backgrounds and enforce deportation orders.
How has the deportation trend changed for Cuban nationals?
Deportations of Cuban nationals have increased as Cuba has begun accepting the return of citizens with criminal histories. This change has led to a more rapid deportation process, as seen with the 612 Cubans deported in early 2026.