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The former major of the Ministry of the Interior (MININT) of Cuba, Rogelio Enrique Bolufé Izquierdo was arrested by agents of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Hialeah, on charges of cocaine possession, and was transferred to a detention center in Texas, amid a process that could lead to his deportation to Mexico or Ecuador.
According to journalist Mario J. Pentón in a note from Martí Noticias, Bolufé did not even have residency in the United States, which puts him in a migratory limbo.
Despite having lived several years in Miami and publicly presenting himself as an opponent, he neither had a work permit nor residency, which makes him deportable at any time, as a confidant of Bolufé confirmed to Pentón.
The arrest occurred on August 17 during a routine check at the intersection of W 4th Ave and W 29th St. in Hialeah.
Although it was not the objective of the operation, he was subjected to a search and a plastic bag containing white powder, allegedly cocaine, was found in his pocket. The ex-military man did not resist and was taken into custody.
Bolufé, who presented himself on social media as "the liberator of Cuba", claimed in 2020 that he had worked in the personal security division of Fidel Castro, although this has never been confirmed.
His name appears on the National Terrorist List published by the regime, where he is linked to alleged sabotage plans against energy infrastructure.
"Following the drug-related arrest and the immigration 'hold' in his file, ICE is considering the possibility of deporting him, although apparently not to Cuba —where the regime is claiming him as a 'terrorist'—but rather to Mexico or Ecuador, countries he has previously transited through, sources familiar with the case told our editorial team," Pentón noted.
His son, Carlos Rogelio Bolufé Garcí, defended his innocence and found it "strange" that he was accused of drug-related offenses, although he admitted that his father consumes alcohol, according to what he told the journalist from Martí Noticias.
The case has generated controversy due to Bolufé's connections with figures from the inner circle of the Castros. On social media, he shared photos alongside Sandro Castro, the grandson of Fidel, at parties and business events in Havana.
The detainee served for more than 15 years in Fidel Castro's personal security team and arrived in the United States as a alleged "defector" in 2020, although he later clarified that designation himself.
In interviews given shortly after his arrival in the United States, he claimed to have lived in Fidel Castro's house for work-related reasons.
He described his duties as focused on "intelligence tasks and information gathering," although he clarified that he did not accompany him on his international trips.
Frequently Asked Questions about the detention of the former major of MININT in the U.S.
Why was Rogelio Enrique Bolufé Izquierdo arrested in the U.S.?
Rogelio Enrique Bolufé Izquierdo was arrested for possession of cocaine during a routine check in Hialeah, Florida. Additionally, his irregular immigration status in the United States contributed to his detention under the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
What is the immigration situation of Bolufé Izquierdo in the U.S.?
Bolufé Izquierdo does not have residence or work permission in the United States, placing him in a migratory limbo. This makes him susceptible to deportation, as ICE is considering options for his possible expulsion to Mexico or Ecuador.
Could Bolufé Izquierdo be deported to Cuba?
Although the Cuban government considers him a "terrorist" and demands his return, it does not seem that his deportation is headed to Cuba. Instead, ICE is evaluating sending him to Mexico or Ecuador, countries through which he has previously transited.
What was the role of Bolufé Izquierdo in the Cuban regime?
Bolufé Izquierdo served for more than 15 years on Fidel Castro's personal security team and presented himself in the U.S. as an opponent of the regime, although his authenticity has been questioned by some analysts who consider him potentially a double agent.
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