The United States deported to Cuba the former official of the Ministry of the Interior Daniel Morejón García, who was involved in the repression of the protests on July 11, 2021, as confirmed by Martí Noticias, citing a spokesperson from the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Morejón García, who concealed his ties to the Cuban regime and his role in the repressive apparatus, was arrested on April 30 in South Florida by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), in coordination with the FBI and Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
On that same day, a judge ordered his deportation, which was carried out on May 30.
A spokesperson for ICE stated that Morejón "did not disclose his affiliation with the Ministry of the Interior or his involvement in the repression of the Cuban people during the protests of July 11," and he was expelled from the country after his history was verified.
The deportation was hailed as "an act of justice" by the Foundation for Human Rights in Cuba (FHRC), which filed the initial complaint.
"Those serving long sentences in Cuba for demanding freedom will feel at least a hint of justice knowing that this repressor is no longer on U.S. soil," stated researcher Luis Domínguez from the FHRC.
Links to repression and MININT
According to ICE, Morejón García was the president of the National Defense Council in Artemisa and an active member of the Rapid Response Brigades, a paramilitary group organized by the Cuban regime to suppress protests.
There is graphic and documentary evidence of his direct participation in the repressive actions of July 11, where he was recorded attacking protesters, as part of his functions within the state apparatus.
During the investigation, it was confirmed that Morejón intentionally omitted his membership in the Communist Party of Cuba and his affiliation with MININT in his immigration application.
ICE obtained official documentation from the Cuban government that corroborated these ties.
Since his return to Cuba, the FHRC has received new reports of intimidation by Morejón against individuals who collaborated with the investigation conducted against him, which led to his arrest in Miami.
According to witnesses from Las Cañas (Artemisa), his hometown, he has been seen escorted by MININT agents and has threatened witnesses.
"It is clear that he has resumed his ties with State Security," said Domínguez.
A long list of abuses
Morejón García appears on the online list of Cuban repressors accused of crimes against humanity.
It is directly linked to the arrest and beating of Armando Martínez Luis, a protester from July 11th sentenced to eight years in prison, as well as Rolando González Arévalo and Richael Cantún Morales, who were also imprisoned after trying to defend him.
On the day of his arrest, the former official was residing in Miami, at his daughter's home, after having entered the country without disclosing his repressive history.
The case raised significant alarm within the exiled community, which has demanded stricter controls on potential repressors entering the United States under false claims.
"It is unacceptable that individuals responsible for abuses and persecution in Cuba are seeking refuge in the same country where their victims live," commented an exiled activist.
The congressman Carlos Giménez has included his name on a list of more than 100 Cuban repressors identified by activists and human rights organizations.
ICE urges the public to report alleged human rights violators entering the United States, reminding that reports can be made anonymously at 866-DHS-2423 or through the agency's online form.
So far, the Cuban regime has not made any official comments regarding the return of Morejón García.
Frequently asked questions about the deportation of the Cuban repressor Daniel Morejón García
Who is Daniel Morejón García and why was he deported from the United States?
Daniel Morejón García is a former official of the Ministry of the Interior of Cuba, involved in the repression of the protests on July 11, 2021. He was deported from the United States after concealing his links to the Cuban regime and his role in repressive acts, as confirmed during an investigation by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
What role did Morejón García play in the protests of July 11 in Cuba?
Daniel Morejón García directly participated in the repression of protesters during the demonstrations on July 11, 2021, in Cuba, as a member of the Rapid Response Brigades. There is photographic and documentary evidence of his involvement in violent acts against those demanding freedom in the streets.
How was Morejón García discovered and arrested in the United States?
Morejón García was arrested in Miami on April 30 by agents from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), in collaboration with the FBI and Customs and Border Protection (CBP). The arrest followed an investigation that revealed he had concealed his affiliation with the Communist Party of Cuba and his role in the Ministry of the Interior in his immigration application.
What actions are U.S. authorities taking to prevent Cuban repressors from entering the country?
U.S. authorities, such as ICE, are intensifying investigations and immigration checks to identify and deport Cuban repressors entering the country under false statements. The public can report alleged human rights violators anonymously, and sanctions and visa restrictions are being enforced against regime officials involved in human rights violations.
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