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Special agents from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) arrested Pedro Pérez Barrera, a 73-year-old Cuban citizen with a history of serious sexual offenses and an active final deportation order, on Tuesday in Miami.
According to a statement released by HSI Miami on social media platform X, the arrested individual is a "criminal foreigner" who was convicted of sexual assault and lewd acts involving a victim under the age of 12.
The authorities classify him as an aggravated offender, a category that includes serious crimes under U.S. immigration law.
Pérez had a final expulsion order, which means that his immigration process had concluded with a firm decision for deportation.
The arrest occurs at a time of tightening immigration policy and prioritized deportations for foreigners with criminal records in the United States.
In its statement, HSI did not specify whether the arrest took place during a targeted operation or as part of a routine immigration check, but emphasized the individual's dangerousness and the federal interest in enforcing removal orders against foreign criminals.
So far, it has not been reported whether the man of Cuban origin will be deported immediately or will remain in custody at an immigration detention center.
In 2020, Pérez was living in Hialeah when he was accused of sexually abusing a girl for five years, starting when the girl was only five years old.
According to a report cited by América Tevé, the attacker took advantage of his wife's negligence to assault the minor, who was under the couple's care.
The girl confessed the events to her mother after a conversation about sexual education and reported being a victim of at least 15 instances of abuse.
During his statement in court, the accused said that he only "tickled" the minor and invoked the Fifth Amendment to remain silent.
Given the seriousness of the charges, bail was denied, and he remained in the Miami-Dade jail awaiting trial.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Arrest and Deportation of Criminal Foreigners in the U.S.
Why was Pedro Pérez Barrera arrested in Miami?
Pedro Pérez Barrera was arrested in Miami by special agents of National Security due to his criminal record, which includes convictions for sexual assault and lewd acts with a victim under 12 years old. Additionally, he had a valid final deportation order.
What does it mean to have a final deportation order?
Having a final order of deportation means that a person's immigration process has concluded with a firm decision for their removal from the country. In the case of Pedro Pérez Barrera, this implies that the authorities have completed all necessary legal proceedings and have determined that he must be deported from the United States.
What immigration policies are affecting Cubans in the U.S.?
Since the administration of Donald Trump, immigration policies in the U.S. have become stricter, focusing on the deportation of foreigners with criminal records. This has significantly affected Cubans residing in the country, especially those with deportation orders or criminal backgrounds. Detentions and deportations have increased as part of these policies.
What other cases of Cubans with criminal records have been reported recently?
In recent months, several cases have been reported of Cubans arrested in the U.S. with criminal records. For example, Manuel Ismael Pérez, detained for sexual offenses and drug trafficking, and Osiel Rodríguez-González, arrested for domestic violence and cocaine sales. These arrests are part of a broader effort to remove dangerous individuals from the country.
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