Related videos:
The Department of Homeland Security of the United States (DHS) revealed on Friday the names and criminal backgrounds of 51 undocumented immigrants considered among the most dangerous in the country, currently detained in the state penitentiary of Louisiana, known as Louisiana Lockup or Angola Prison.
Among them, more than 20 Cuban citizens appear on the list alongside convicts from other countries such as Venezuela, China, Iran, Russia, and Vietnam. According to the DHS, the crimes for which they were convicted include murder, rape, sexual exploitation, and assaults against minors.
The publication is part of a collaborative effort between the federal government and the state of Louisiana that expanded ICE's detention capacity by up to 416 beds. In its statement, DHS emphasized that the center currently houses:
- 26 illegal immigrants sentenced for murder.
- 8 for violation.
- 8 for sexual exploitation of a minor.
- 9 for sexual assault on a minor.
"Killers, pedophiles, rapists, and predators of minors. These are the illegal foreign criminals arrested by ICE and held in a Louisiana jail," stated a spokesperson for the Department, in language that highlights the current administration's tough stance on immigration.
The weight of the Cuban community on the list
The names released show that Cubans have a significant presence on the list. Some of the convicted individuals from the island are serving lengthy sentences for murder, such as Erick Carlos Artiles Ramos, Félix Bartutis Pérez, Ricardo Blanco Chomat, or Juan Carlos Viera-Guedes, while others are listed for sexual offenses, such as Yamil Ballate-Martínez or Maykel Rodríguez Valladares.
The figure exceeds twenty, making Cubans one of the nationalities most represented in this group of undocumented criminals detained in the United States.
Although they are convicted criminals, the publication of the list reinforces the official narrative that undocumented immigrants pose a threat to the country's security.
While thousands of Cubans seek refuge and better opportunities in the United States, this type of report threatens to fuel stigmas and further harden the immigration debate, where criminal cases are used as arguments to justify restrictive measures that impact families and migrants without criminal records.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cubans Detained in Louisiana and U.S. Immigration Policy.
Why are there so many Cubans among the detainees in the Louisiana prison?
More than 20 Cubans are among the 51 most dangerous undocumented criminals detained in the Louisiana prison, according to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This is due to their involvement in severe crimes such as murder, rape, and sexual exploitation. The list highlights the significant presence of the Cuban community in this group of offenders, raising concerns about the stigmas this may fuel in the immigration debate.
What measures is the United States taking regarding Cuban immigrants with criminal records?
The administration of Donald Trump has intensified its deportation policy for immigrants with criminal records, including many Cubans. The United States has begun to deport these individuals to third countries, such as Eswatini and South Sudan, due to the Cuban regime's refusal to accept them back. This is part of a tougher approach to illegal immigration and serious crimes.
What impact does the publication of lists of undocumented criminals have on public opinion?
The publication of lists of undocumented criminals by DHS reinforces the official narrative that undocumented immigrants pose a danger to security. This may intensify the immigration debate and justify stricter measures that impact families and migrants with clean records. Furthermore, such publications can increase stigma and discrimination against immigrant communities seeking refuge in the U.S.
How does the immigration policy of the Trump administration affect Cubans without criminal records?
Despite focusing on criminals, Trump's immigration policy has also impacted Cubans without criminal records. Many find themselves in a migratory limbo due to the elimination of humanitarian parole and the end of the "catch and release" policy. These individuals can be arrested and detained, even if they do not have a final deportation order.
Filed under: