Agents of the U.S. Border Patrol (USBP) in Florida arrested an undocumented Cuban immigrant who served 20 years in prison after being convicted of armed sexual assault and other serious crimes.
The arrest was announced this Wednesday by the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in a post on their account on X.
Authorities clarified that the Cuban, whose name has not been disclosed, had a previous deportation order in 1999 and spent two decades in prison. In addition to armed sexual assault, he had convictions for vehicle theft, distribution of cocaine, and possession of a firearm, according to information released by CBP.
"The United States is no longer a safe haven for undesirables like him; he will be deported," warned the message from the federal agency.
The chief of the Border Patrol in the U.S., Michael W. Banks, shared the post and stated: “We protect the border so that danger doesn’t reach your doorstep. Criminals have no place in our communities, and we make sure they don’t stay.”
In recent hours, several arrests and deportations of Cuban immigrants in the U.S. with prior convictions or criminal charges for serious offenses have come to light.
Federal immigration agents arrested Geraldo Lunas Campos in New York, who is in the country illegally and is a convicted criminal with a violent criminal history that includes child sexual abuse of a victim under 11 years old and aggravated assault with a weapon.
Ariochy Morán, another Cuban in an irregular situation who had previously been convicted of attempted lewd acts against a minor under 12 years old, was arrested on Tuesday in Miami. Both are in ICE custody awaiting their deportation from the country.
The day before, the U.S. deported five migrants of various nationalities to the African kingdom of Eswatini, including one Cuban, as part of the expulsion program to third countries initiated by the administration of President Donald Trump.
It concerns Roberto Mosquera Del Peral, whose identity was not disclosed initially in the official announcement made by the Under Secretary of National Security, Tricia McLaughlin.
Mosquera Del Peral was arrested last June and has accumulated convictions for first-degree murder and aggravated assault, aggravated assault against a police officer with a weapon, grand theft auto, aggravated fleeing while driving recklessly, and evasion of the police. Additionally, authorities confirmed that he was a member of the gang Latin Kings.
Moreover, it was revealed this Wednesday that the administration Trump deported to Cuba former Interior Ministry official Daniel Morejón García, who was involved in the repression of the protests on July 11, 2021.
Morejón García concealed his ties to the Cuban regime and his role in the repressive apparatus upon entering the U.S. On April 30, he was arrested in South Florida by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), in coordination with the FBI and Customs and Border Protection (CBP). That same day, a judge ordered his expulsion, which took effect on May 30.
Also in May, eight immigrants with criminal records were deported to South Sudan, including the Cubans Enrique Arias Hierro, 47 years old, and José Manuel Rodríguez Quiñones, 54.
Arias Hierro, who was arrested on May 2, 2025, had been convicted of homicide, armed robbery, identity theft, kidnapping, and other offenses; while Rodríguez Quiñones, arrested on April 30, had convictions for first-degree attempted murder with a weapon, assault, theft, and dog trafficking.
The flight on which Arias Hierro and Rodríguez Quiñones were deported was the first operated by ICE to a country in Africa, following the Trump administration's decision to expel foreign convicted criminals to third countries that are not accepted by their countries of origin, as is the case with the government of Havana.
Dozens of arrests of Cuban citizens have been reported in recent months; many of them have been deported, while others are awaiting their expulsion.
In the event that Cuba does not accept them back, the U.S. government may send them to a third country, supported by the Supreme Court, which at the end of June authorized President Donald Trump to resume deportations of immigrants to countries other than their countries of origin.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Detention and Deportation of Cuban Criminals in the U.S.
Why was the Cuban who served 20 years in prison in the U.S. arrested?
The Cuban was detained by the Florida Border Patrol due to his illegal immigration status in the United States and his extensive criminal record, which includes armed sexual assault, vehicle theft, distribution of cocaine, and possession of a firearm.
What measures is the U.S. taking against illegal immigrants with criminal records?
The U.S. is intensifying the deportation of illegal immigrants with criminal records. The administration of President Donald Trump has increased immigration enforcement operations, prioritizing the expulsion of individuals with serious criminal backgrounds, even to third countries if their home nations do not accept them back.
What is the Cuban government's stance on the deportation of its citizens with criminal records?
The Cuban government has been hesitant to accept back its citizens with criminal records. This has led the U.S. to seek alternatives to deport these individuals to third countries, such as South Sudan or Eswatini, when Cuba refuses to take them back.
What role does the Border Patrol play in the detention of illegal immigrants with criminal records?
The U.S. Border Patrol plays a crucial role in the apprehension of illegal immigrants with criminal backgrounds. Their work includes coordinated operations with other agencies to identify and apprehend dangerous individuals who pose a threat to American communities.
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