The former member of Cuban intelligence arrested this Wednesday in Broward County for allegedly obtaining his permanent U.S. residency fraudulently has finally been identified as Tomás Emilio Hernández Cruz, 71 years old.
The information was revealed in a statement published this Friday by the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) on its website.
According to the document, Hernández Cruz was arrested at his home in the city of West Park, Florida, as a result of an investigation that began in September 2023.
The investigation was led by the Document and Benefits Fraud Working Group of ICE and the FBI, after detecting inconsistencies in the immigration application of the accused.
During the investigation, the authorities determined that Hernández Cruz had held "several high-level positions abroad within Cuban intelligence."
However, when submitting her application for legal permanent residency (LPR), she concealed her true occupation and affiliation with the Communist Party of Cuba in order to deceive U.S. immigration authorities.
"Hernández Cruz, knowingly and intentionally, concealed his true position and profession within the Communist Party of Cuba to deliberately deceive U.S. authorities when he applied for and obtained his legal permanent resident status," the HSI statement notes.
The entity has emphasized that those who attempt to gain immigration benefits fraudulently will face the consequences of the law.
The arrest of Hernández Cruz is part of the U.S. government's efforts to combat immigration fraud and strengthen national security.
Ongoing deportation procedures
Following his arrest, Hernández Cruz was processed and is currently in ICE custody awaiting deportation proceedings.
If found guilty of the charges brought against him, he could be deported from the United States and face additional penalties for having lied during his immigration process.
"Fraud investigations in immigration are a priority for HSI, as they protect the integrity of the system and ensure that those entering the country do so in a legitimate and legal manner," the agency concluded.
The statement did not provide any additional details about the past of Tomás Emilio Hernández Cruz.
The Mysterious Arrest
On March 12, ICE, HSI, and the FBI reported the arrest of "a former member of Cuban Intelligence for fraudulently obtaining his legal permanent resident (LPR) status."
The note added, "HSI and its partners will continue their efforts to identify and arrest individuals who pose a threat to our national security."
Last year, members of the exile community and Cuban-American congress members raised concerns about the growing number of repressors, agents, and leaders of the Cuban regime who were arriving or have long resided in U.S. territory.
Other "deportables"
As the question surrounding the identity of the former Cuban intelligence agent arrested this Wednesday grew, several hypotheses emerged about who he might be.
The journalist Juan Manuel Cao put forward the hypothesis that it could be the military pilot of the Cuban regime, Luis Raúl González-Pardo Rodríguez, involved in the downing of two planes from Brothers to the Rescue, who, as it emerged in October of last year, is said to be residing in the United States thanks to humanitarian parole.
On social media, many users speculated that the detainee was Manuel Menéndez Castellanos, former secretary of the Communist Party in the province of Cienfuegos and a former member of Fidel Castro's "coordination and support team," who arrived at Miami International Airport in August of last year.
Finally, the person arrested this Wednesday was not either of the two Cubans mentioned, although they certainly have enough merit to be next on the list, as noted by several internet users.
Frequently asked questions about the arrest of the former Cuban intelligence officer in Florida
Who is the former Cuban intelligence officer arrested in Florida?
The former Cuban intelligence officer arrested in Florida has been identified as Tomás Emilio Hernández Cruz, 71 years old. He was detained at his residence in West Park, Florida, on suspicion of having obtained his permanent residency in the United States fraudulently.
Why was Tomás Emilio Hernández Cruz arrested?
Tomás Emilio Hernández Cruz was arrested for allegedly concealing his true occupation as a former Cuban intelligence officer and his affiliation with the Communist Party of Cuba in his application for permanent residency in the United States. U.S. authorities detected inconsistencies in his immigration application, which led to his arrest.
What consequences does Hernández Cruz face for immigration fraud?
If found guilty, Hernández Cruz could be deported from the United States and face additional penalties for having lied during his immigration process. He is currently in ICE custody awaiting deportation proceedings.
What is the context of the measures against immigration fraud in the U.S.?
The arrest of Hernández Cruz occurs in the context of increased scrutiny by U.S. authorities to combat immigration fraud and enhance national security. Investigations into immigration fraud are a priority for HSI, with the aim of protecting the integrity of the immigration system.
Filed under:
