Related videos:
A Cuban citizen identified as Chamil Machado González was arrested in Los Angeles by officers of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), charged with being part of the gang Sureños-13 and having a criminal history that includes auto theft, kidnapping, threats, and other violent crimes in Riverside, California.
According to the official statement, Machado González was part of a group of undocumented immigrants deemed a threat to public safety in the United States. Among the crimes for which he has been convicted are theft, receiving stolen property, and making threats to commit crimes with the intent to terrorize, charges that directly link him to gang violence in Southern California.
The gang Sureños-13 (also known as Sur-13) was born in California, originally made up of Mexicans and Central Americans, and has expanded across several states in the country. It is one of the most feared organizations due to its involvement in high-impact crimes such as drug trafficking, kidnappings, and homicides, as well as its ties to international cartels.
The presence of a Cuban among their ranks reinforces the concerns of U.S. authorities about the extent of these networks and the diversity of nationalities involved.
Uncertain deportation
Although ICE prioritizes the expulsion of foreigners with criminal records, the process could face an obstacle, as Cuba often refuses to accept nationals with criminal convictions in the United States, complicating their deportation.
In these cases, Washington has chosen to transfer detainees to third countries, a practice that has sparked diplomatic tensions and accusations of a lack of legal safeguards.
The arrest occurs amid a political clash between ICE and California Governor Gavin Newsom, who has just signed the "No to Secret Police Act." According to ICE, the law limits identity protections for its agents, despite the fact that assaults against them have increased by 1000% in recent months.
“The governor Newsom is fueling division and putting our law enforcement at risk,” stated Tricia McLaughlin, Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security. The agency assured that it will continue its operations, especially against gangs such as MS-13 and Tren de Aragua, in addition to the Sureños-13.
Pattern of arrests of Cubans with records
The case of Machado González is not isolated. Recently, ICE arrested another Cuban, Walter Ramírez, in San Diego, convicted of rape, sexual assault of minors, and domestic violence.
Similar to this new arrest, the authorities warned that these are individuals with a history of serious crimes and that they pose an immediate threat to public safety.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Detention of Cubans by ICE and Its Implications
Who is Chamil Machado González and why was he detained by ICE?
Chamil Machado González is a Cuban citizen who was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Los Angeles, accused of being a member of the Sureños-13 gang and having an extensive criminal history that includes vehicle theft, kidnapping, threats, and other violent crimes in Riverside, California.
What is the criminal record of Chamil Machado González?
The criminal record of Chamil Machado González includes convictions for vehicle theft, kidnapping, receipt of stolen property, and threats with the intent to intimidate, linking him to gang violence in Southern California.
What challenges does ICE face in deporting Cuban citizens with criminal records?
ICE faces the challenge that Cuba often refuses to accept nationals with criminal convictions in the United States, complicating their deportation. In these cases, the United States has opted to transfer the detainees to third countries, a practice that has generated diplomatic tensions.
What impact does the "No to Secret Police Law" have on ICE operations?
The "No Secret Police Act," signed by California Governor Gavin Newsom, limits identity protections for ICE agents, which, according to the agency, puts its law enforcement personnel at risk in a context of increasing attacks against them.
Filed under: