The Attorney General of Florida, James Uthmeier, has taken advantage of the arrest of four undocumented Cubans accused of being part of a network stealing truck parts to launch a new attack against the federal government's immigration policies and to strengthen his image as a champion of a hardline stance against migrants.
“Justice in Florida makes no exceptions for illegal immigrants”, Uthmeier declared while announcing the charges against Geosvany Figueredo-González, Orlando Martínez-Dorta, Brian Sánchez-Pérez, and Liovel Urra-Peñate, all accused of stealing electronic modules from trucks in several counties in Florida and then selling them in Texas.
“Our prosecutors will ensure that the only thing these foreign criminals can expect is a severe prison sentence and their return to their country of origin”, he concluded according to the Office of Communications of the prosecutor.
Uthmeier, a key figure in the close circle of Governor Ron DeSantis and former chief of staff, is the main proponent of the controversial migrant detention center known as "Alligator Alcatraz".
The installation, conceived as a symbol of the "migratory order" in Florida, has been used by Uthmeier and the state Republican Party as a vanguard in the media battle in favor of President Donald Trump.
In a press conference, the prosecutor did not hesitate to directly link the case to his political discourse. “This exemplifies the dangers of an open borders policy. Three of the defendants crossed during the Biden administration. They have criminal records and should not have been here,” he said, clearly alluding to his disagreement with the immigration regulations of the previous administration.
According to the accusation, the Cubans were part of a network that stole electronic control modules (ECMs) from trucks, with losses that would exceed 750,000 dollars. In total, they face 139 criminal charges and could be sentenced to over 800 years in prison.
According to Florida Politics, Uthmeier's office obtained around 25 subpoenas and the corresponding search warrants that led to the arrests.
In the same press conference where Uthmeier participated, the Hillsborough County Sheriff, Chad Chronister, warned that there could be more people involved. “We are not going to allow them to affect our workers. Our truck drivers. Leave our citizens in peace,” he stated.
Frequently Asked Questions about Immigration Policy in Florida and the Case of Undocumented Cubans
Who is James Uthmeier and what is his stance on immigration?
James Uthmeier is the Attorney General of Florida and takes a tough stance on illegal immigration. He has been a strong advocate for strict immigration control policies and has promoted the construction of detention centers like "Alligator Alcatraz" for undocumented immigrants with criminal backgrounds.
What charges are being brought against the four undocumented Cubans arrested in Florida?
The four undocumented Cubans are accused of stealing electronic modules from trucks, resulting in losses exceeding $750,000. They are facing 139 criminal charges, including conspiracy to engage in organized crime and grand theft.
What is "Alligator Alcatraz" and what is its purpose?
"Alligator Alcatraz" is a detention center for immigrants located in the Everglades, Florida, proposed by James Uthmeier. Its purpose is to house undocumented immigrants with criminal backgrounds, process their cases, and facilitate their deportation. It has generated controversy due to its ethical and environmental implications.
How does the SB-4C immigration law affect undocumented immigrants in Florida?
The SB-4C law, currently blocked by a court order, criminalizes the presence of undocumented individuals in Florida if they entered the country illegally. If enforced, it could lead to mass arrests and deportations, impacting thousands of migrants, including many Cubans.
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