Three Cuban nationals were taken into custody in the department of Maldonado, Uruguay, after assaulting law enforcement officers and damaging a police vehicle, according to local authorities. The spokesperson for the Maldonado Police Department, Santiago Rosa, detailed the incident to the media outlet La Portada.
Emergency services were alerted to an altercation that erupted at a party hall in the San Fernando neighborhood. "An unauthorized individual entered the event, prompting organizers to request police assistance. A patrol vehicle from URPM of Operational Zone II, along with a vehicle from the 6th Precinct of New Maldonado, responded immediately," stated the news source on Facebook.
Rosa explained that while attempting to communicate with the 31-year-old foreign national, the individual disregarded the officer's orders. Additionally, a 24-year-old man and a 38-year-old woman began attacking the officers, resulting in injuries to a female officer. He added that the initially detained man, who was inside a police vehicle, caused damage to the partition and door of the vehicle.
The individuals, whose names have not been disclosed, were apprehended and remain in the custody of the judicial system.
Other Recent Incidents Involving Cuban Nationals
In August, two other Cuban nationals were also detained in Maldonado following a police control operation. The men, identified by their initials as D.M.R., 49, and R.D.M.P., 25, were taken to a police station, as reported by the local media Gente Online. During the inspection, two vehicles transporting goods, including alcoholic beverages and Brazilian cigarettes, were seized.
An Uruguayan court sentenced D.M.R. to three months of probation for smuggling. Meanwhile, R.D.M.P. received a five-month probation sentence for two counts of smuggling, according to the same source.
Last July, two young Cubans, a 23-year-old woman and a 24-year-old man, were detained in the department of Canelones for stealing egg cartons from the poultry farm where they worked. The theft occurred at a farm in the jurisdiction of the 12th Precinct of San Bautista, in the town of San Antonio. The identities of the arrested individuals have not been released.
Over a year ago, in Maldonado, four Cubans who were part of a criminal gang were accused of smuggling goods and receiving stolen property. They were arrested following the detention of Uruguayan drivers of two trucks, which led authorities to nearby homes where a large amount of cash was found.
Uruguay has become a frequent destination for Cubans fleeing the island due to the economic crisis, seeking better living conditions. Thousands of families have settled in the South American nation in recent years.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cuban Nationals in Uruguay
Given the notable presence of Cuban nationals in Uruguay and the recent incidents involving them, here are some common questions and answers regarding their situation in the country.
Why are Cuban nationals migrating to Uruguay?
Cubans are migrating to Uruguay due to the severe economic crisis in Cuba, seeking better living conditions and opportunities.
What legal consequences have Cuban nationals faced in Uruguay?
Cuban nationals have faced various legal consequences in Uruguay, including arrests for smuggling, assault, and theft. Some have been sentenced to probation.
How has the Uruguayan government responded to these incidents?
The Uruguayan government has responded by conducting police operations and legal proceedings to address and mitigate these incidents.