A former member of Cuban intelligence, arrested this Wednesday in Broward County for allegedly fraudulently obtaining U.S. permanent residency, has been identified as Tomás Emilio Hernández Cruz, age 71. This information was released in a statement by the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) division on their website this Friday.
According to the report, Hernández Cruz was apprehended at his home in West Park, Florida, following an investigation initiated in September 2023. The operation was led by ICE's Document and Benefit Fraud Task Force and the FBI after they found discrepancies in the suspect's immigration application.
During their investigation, authorities discovered that Hernández Cruz had held "various high-ranking positions abroad within Cuban intelligence." However, when applying for lawful permanent residency (LPR), he failed to disclose his true occupation and affiliation with the Communist Party of Cuba, aiming to deceive U.S. immigration officials.
"Hernández Cruz knowingly and deliberately concealed his actual position and profession within the Communist Party of Cuba to intentionally mislead U.S. authorities when applying for and obtaining his legal permanent resident status," stated HSI in their release. The agency emphasized that individuals attempting to fraudulently secure immigration benefits will face legal consequences.
The arrest of Hernández Cruz is part of the U.S. government's efforts to combat immigration fraud and strengthen national security.
Current Deportation Proceedings
Following his arrest, Hernández Cruz was processed and is currently in ICE custody, awaiting deportation proceedings. If found guilty of the charges, he could be expelled from the United States and face additional penalties for lying during his immigration process.
"Immigration fraud investigations are a priority for HSI as they protect the integrity of the system and ensure that those entering the country do so legitimately and legally," the agency concluded. The statement provided no further details about Tomás Emilio Hernández Cruz's past.
The Mysterious Arrest Unveiled
On March 12, ICE, HSI, and the FBI announced the arrest of "a former member of Cuban Intelligence for fraudulently obtaining legal permanent resident (LPR) status." The note added, "HSI and its partners will continue efforts to identify and arrest individuals posing a threat to our national security."
Last year, members of the Cuban exile community and Cuban-American legislators raised concerns about the increasing number of repressors, agents, and leaders of the Cuban regime arriving or residing in the United States.
Speculations and Other "Deportable" Figures
As speculation grew about the identity of the arrested former Cuban intelligence agent, various theories emerged. Journalist Juan Manuel Cao suggested it might be the Cuban regime's military pilot, Luis Raúl González-Pardo Rodríguez, involved in the downing of two Hermanos al Rescate planes, who reportedly resides in the United States under humanitarian parole.
On social media, many speculated that the detainee could be Manuel Menéndez Castellanos, a former secretary of the Communist Party in Cienfuegos province and former member of Fidel Castro's "coordination and support team," who arrived last year at Miami International Airport. Ultimately, the individual arrested this Wednesday was neither of these two, although many online commentators suggest they could be next on the list.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cuban Intelligence Arrests in the U.S.
Who is Tomás Emilio Hernández Cruz?
Tomás Emilio Hernández Cruz is a former Cuban intelligence officer arrested for allegedly obtaining U.S. permanent residency fraudulently.
What charges does Hernández Cruz face?
He is charged with fraudulently securing U.S. permanent residency by concealing his true occupation and Communist Party affiliations.
What are the potential consequences for Hernández Cruz?
If found guilty, he could be deported from the United States and face additional penalties for immigration fraud.