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A Cuban citizen with a criminal record was arrested in Louisville, Kentucky, while attending an appointment to apply for permanent residency in the United States.
The information was confirmed this Monday by the Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) through its official account on X, where it specified that the applicant had a pending case before an immigration court and a history that includes arrests for theft and strangulation.
"A foreign criminal from Cuba was applying for a green card at our office in Louisville, Kentucky, when the officials identified that he already had a pending case in immigration court with a criminal record including arrests for robbery and strangulation," the agency reported.
Along with the announcement, USCIS released a graphic message reaffirming its position: "Green Cards are for those who obey the law, not for those who violate it."
The arrest was carried out by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), which will now take custody of the man as his judicial process moves forward.
USCIS did not disclose the name of the detained Cuban.
The episode takes place amid a tightening of immigration policy under the Trump administration, which has prioritized the identification and expulsion of migrants with criminal records in the United States.
In June, USCIS issued a clear warning to migrants: if they have an outstanding arrest warrant and show up at one of its offices to manage immigration benefits, they will be detained.
The statement was shared through the official USCIS account on the social network X, where the agency reported the recent arrest of a woman at its field office in Miami.
"An arrest warrant is a serious matter, regardless of the reason. If you show up at a USCIS office seeking an immigration benefit and we find that you are not complying with our laws, you will face consequences," the official message warned.
A month prior, USCIS issued another warning aimed at immigrants with open cases or questionable immigration history, stating: “Do not doubt our investigative capabilities.”
In this context, ICE arrested 63-year-old Cuban Orlando Sánchez Sarría last Friday in Philadelphia, who had a prior conviction for drug trafficking and possession of a firearm.
Sánchez Sarría was sentenced to 386 months (32 years and two months) in prison in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, for charges of conspiracy to distribute cocaine, possession of a firearm, and using or carrying a firearm during a drug trafficking crime, according to information published on the official ICE website.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Detention of Cubans with Criminal Records in the U.S.
Why was the Cuban citizen arrested in Louisville, Kentucky?
The Cuban citizen was detained by ICE due to having a criminal record that includes robbery and strangulation, as well as an ongoing case before an immigration court. This detention is part of the policy to prioritize the identification and deportation of migrants with criminal records in the U.S.
How is U.S. immigration policy affecting Cubans with criminal records?
The immigration policy of the U.S. under the administration of Donald Trump has intensified the identification and deportation of immigrants with criminal records. Many Cubans with such backgrounds are facing detention and possible deportation, especially if they have pending legal cases. However, the Cuban government often refuses to accept these deportees, complicating the process.
What challenges do Cubans detained by ICE in the United States face?
Cubans detained by ICE face the possibility of deportation, but often encounter the Cuban government's refusal to take them back, especially if they have criminal records. This can result in their deportation to third countries, which exacerbates their legal and personal situation.
What happens to Cubans who have no criminal record but are under immigration supervision?
Despite not having a criminal record, Cubans under immigration supervision, such as those with the I-220A document, may also be detained if they attend appointments with the immigration office. This is due to the policy of considering every undocumented immigrant as a potential subject for deportation.
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