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The Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) reported this Friday about the arrest of a 46-year-old Cuban, who is now on the list of "most dangerous" foreign criminals recently apprehended in the United States.
Bárbaro Reyes-Gómez, a Cuban citizen, was captured on August 22 by the ICE office in San Antonio, Texas, after having been convicted of human trafficking in Eagle Pass, a crime for which he served a 13-month prison sentence.
Its inclusion in the list known as “The Worst of the Worst” is part of ICE's strategy to highlight foreigners with a criminal record in U.S. territory.
The agency asserts that these arrests are crucial for "protecting communities" and reaffirms its commitment to prioritizing the expulsion of individuals with serious criminal records.
The case of Reyes-Gómez adds to the list of other Cubans detained in recent weeks across various states in the country, all of whom have convictions for offenses deemed high-risk.
With these operations, the ICE aims to send a message of zero tolerance towards crime in the migrant population.
Although ICE did not specify whether he will be deported or face new charges, the case has reignited the debate on the treatment of migrants, the use of punitive rhetoric by immigration authorities, and the risks faced by thousands of Cubans attempting to reach the United States through irregular means, often falling victim to human trafficking networks.
The ICE also announced the arrest, weeks ago, of Osmani Mompié, a Cuban citizen convicted of conspiring to transport undocumented immigrants, in an operation carried out by its office in New Orleans.
According to official information, Mompié was arrested for his involvement in activities that endangered the lives of others by facilitating irregular border crossings. ICE classified the detainee as a "criminal" and warned that anyone in that situation should "expect an arrest."
Frequently Asked Questions about the detention of Bárbaro Reyes-Gómez and other Cubans by ICE
Who is Bárbaro Reyes-Gómez and why was he detained by ICE?
Bárbaro Reyes-Gómez is a Cuban citizen detained by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in San Antonio, Texas, after being convicted of trafficking illegal immigrants in Eagle Pass. He served a 13-month prison sentence and is now on the list of the "most dangerous" foreign criminals in the United States.
What is the "Worst of the Worst" list from ICE?
The "Worst of the Worst" list by ICE is an agency strategy to highlight foreigners with criminal records in the United States. It includes individuals who are deemed high risk to public safety, and ICE prioritizes their removal from the country.
What measures is ICE taking against immigrants with criminal records?
ICE is making arrests of immigrants with criminal records as part of its "zero tolerance" strategy towards crime in the migrant population. This policy focuses on arresting and deporting foreigners with serious offenses in their history.
What challenges does ICE face in the deportation of Cubans with criminal backgrounds?
One of the main challenges facing ICE is the Cuban government's refusal to accept back nationals with criminal records. This forces U.S. authorities to consider deporting these individuals to third countries. This process has been authorized by the Supreme Court, allowing deportations without the need to assess the risks they might face in those destinations.
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