A Cuban citizen, convicted of sexual abuse of a minor and with a 12-year prison sentence served in the United States, was arrested in Orlando, Florida, during a joint operation by the Border Patrol (USBP) and the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
The man, whose name was not disclosed by the authorities although his photographs were released, also has a criminal record that includes a previous conviction for cocaine trafficking and a final deportation order.
“This sex offender is off the streets of Orlando,” wrote on social media X the chief of the Border Patrol, Michael W. Banks, announcing the capture.
According to the details provided, the Cuban is now facing the execution of the pending expulsion order against him.
The case adds to a series of recent arrests of Cubans with serious criminal records in Florida, which were publicly shared by Banks on his social media.
In June, immigration agents arrested a Cuban in Hollywood who had convictions for kidnapping and illicit sexual activity with a minor, grand theft, and multiple arrests for misdemeanors.
Days later, in July, another immigrant from the island was arrested in Florida after serving 20 years in prison for armed sexual assault and other serious crimes, and with a prior deportation order since 1999.
That same month, in Miami, another Cuban was presented by Banks as a “sexual offender” with an “alarming” record including convictions for indecent behavior with a minor, prostitution, and theft. Despite the fact that his deportation had been ordered in 2012, he never left the country.
Deportations amid migration tension
These arrests are part of a federal strategy to demonstrate a tough stance against undocumented immigrants with serious convictions, whom authorities refer to as "the worst of the worst."
According to official figures, more than 42,000 Cubans in the U.S. have final deportation orders, but the Cuban government's refusal to accept back those with criminal records or who left before 2017 has complicated the processes. In some cases, Washington has opted to send them to third countries, as occurred in May with the expedited deportation of two Cubans to South Sudan.
The arrest in Orlando reignites the debate over the situation of thousands of Cubans trapped between U.S. justice and the Cuban regime's refusal to readmit them, creating a migratory limbo that impacts both the detainees and their families.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Deportation of Cubans in the United States
Why was the Cuban citizen arrested in Orlando?
The Cuban citizen was arrested in Orlando for being a convicted sex offender against a minor and having a final deportation order. Authorities detained him as part of a joint operation to remove dangerous individuals from the streets.
How many Cubans have deportation orders in the United States?
According to official figures, more than 42,000 Cubans in the United States have final deportation orders. However, the Cuban government's refusal to accept them, especially those with criminal records, has complicated the deportation process.
What challenges does the U.S. face in deporting Cubans with criminal records?
The main challenge is the Cuban regime's refusal to accept those with criminal records or who left before 2017. This has led the U.S. to consider deportation to third countries, as happened in May with two Cubans sent to South Sudan.
What is the United States' stance on foreign criminals with serious convictions?
The United States has adopted a tough stance against undocumented immigrants with serious convictions, considering them "the worst of the worst" and prioritizing their deportation to protect public safety.
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