Homeless Cuban arrested in Florida after his 38th offense: "Why wasn't he deported earlier?"

The authorities are evaluating his deportation after repeated offenses.

Photo © Video Capture/YouTube/CBS12

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A Cuban with no legal immigration status and an extensive criminal record was arrested again in Florida after being involved in a car theft that ended in a dangerous chase, local media confirmed.

Deibbys Cardoso Rodríguez, 31 years old and originally from Cienfuegos, was arrested by agents from the Martin County Sheriff's Office (MCSO) after stealing a Jeep Wrangler in Broward and driving it north to Stuart, where he was allegedly looking for new victims. According to authorities, the man attempted to instigate another collision before being subdued by the officers.

Sheriff John Budensiek was emphatic when pointing out that this was Cardoso's 38th arrest, with charges ranging from theft, drug trafficking, and violence to indecent exposure, fights, and grand theft. “This is his 38th opportunity. That’s about 37 too many for us, so it’s about time,” stated the official, as reported by CBS12.

One day after the arrest, the Criminal Investigations Division of the MCSO reported that it has already contacted federal immigration authorities to assess his case, although the agents are wondering why he was not deported earlier.

Among the offenses recorded in his history are hit and run, driving under the influence of alcohol, auto theft, trafficking in stolen property, resisting arrest, disorderly intoxication, and drug offenses. He is currently facing charges for grand theft of a vehicle and driving without a license, and he will remain in the Martin County jail.

According to the official inmate record, Cardoso was admitted on September 8, 2025, weighs 170 pounds, and is 5 feet 6 inches tall. He currently faces two charges: grand theft auto and driving with a suspended or revoked license. The total bail has been set at $3,000, $2,500 for theft and $500 for driving without a license.

One of the offenses committed by this Cuban occurred in July 2024, when he was arrested in Miami Beach after hitting a hotel employee, exposing himself, and threatening to rape her. At that time, the police also identified him as a homeless man with a long criminal record and drug problems.

“Decisions like this have a very predictable outcome: if you take the wrong exit, you are definitely headed in the wrong direction”, warned Sheriff Budensiek about the current arrest.

The criminal recidivism of Cardoso reflects the social vulnerability of many migrants without defined status, but it also highlights the failures of the U.S. immigration and judicial system, which has allowed a man with nearly 40 arrests to continue committing serious crimes in South Florida.

Frequently Asked Questions about Criminal Records and the Deportation of Cubans in the U.S.

Who is Deibbys Cardoso Rodríguez and why was he arrested?

Deibbys Cardoso Rodríguez is a Cuban citizen with an extensive criminal history who was arrested in Florida after stealing a Jeep Wrangler and participating in a dangerous chase. This was his 38th arrest, with charges ranging from theft and drug trafficking to violence and grand theft.

What measures are being taken regarding Cuban immigrants with criminal records in the U.S.?

Cuban immigrants with criminal records are being subjected to deportation proceedings. U.S. authorities have intensified operations to arrest and deport these individuals, especially those deemed high risk to public safety. However, the process is complicated by the Cuban government's reluctance to accept deportees with criminal backgrounds.

Why hasn't Deibbys Cardoso Rodríguez been deported despite his criminal record?

Despite his extensive criminal record, Deibbys Cardoso Rodríguez has not been deported, possibly due to complications in the U.S. immigration and judicial system. Additionally, the lack of cooperation from the Cuban government in accepting deportees with criminal records also contributes to the difficulty of his deportation.

What is the current situation of undocumented Cubans in the U.S.?

The situation of undocumented Cubans in the U.S. is complicated, with many facing deportation orders but remaining in the country due to Cuba's refusal to accept them. The migration tensions between the U.S. and Cuba continue, and many of these immigrants live in legal limbo.

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CiberCuba Editorial Team

A team of journalists committed to reporting on Cuban current affairs and topics of global interest. At CiberCuba, we work to deliver truthful news and critical analysis.