Recent discoveries have emerged regarding the arrest of Tomás Emilio Hernández Cruz, a former officer of Cuba's Directorate General of Intelligence (DGI), who was apprehended in Florida by immigration authorities. Hernández Cruz, who deceitfully acquired U.S. residency by concealing his history as a spy and member of the Communist Party of Cuba, is presently detained at the Krome Detention Center, facing deportation proceedings.
Enrique García, a former Cuban intelligence officer who defected over thirty years ago, revealed that he met Hernández Cruz during their training at a KGB spy academy in Moscow. According to García, who shared his insights with Juan Manuel Cao on the program “A Fondo” of América TeVé, both were part of a group of 28 officers receiving specialized instruction in the Soviet Union, where Hernández Cruz operated under the alias René Cruz, mastering advanced espionage and information manipulation techniques.
García emphasized that the DGI has engaged in espionage activities that pose a threat to U.S. national security, citing notable cases like Ana Belén Montes, a former Pentagon analyst convicted of spying for Cuba, and Víctor Manuel Rocha, a former U.S. diplomat arrested in December 2023 for secretly working for the Cuban regime.
High-Level Access Within Cuban Intelligence
Hernández Cruz was involved in the United States and Canada Department, one of the most strategic sectors within Cuban intelligence. García explained that this department managed highly sensitive information, with reports in Havana being delivered directly to Fidel Castro, bypassing the Minister of the Interior. This detail implies that Hernández Cruz had access to significant information regarding espionage operations and potential infiltrated agents within key U.S. institutions.
The detained individual's career in Cuban intelligence began around 1978, when he was recruited directly by Orlando Prendes, the then-second chief of Cuban intelligence and head of the United States and Canada Department. Before joining the secret services, Hernández Cruz served as a high school director in the countryside, where he established connections with Prendes' son, which facilitated his entry into the DGI.
Retired Spy or Active Threat?
Hernández Cruz's arrest has sparked speculation about his true intentions in the United States. While some believe he came to "enjoy his retirement" in the country, others fear he may have continued secretly collaborating with Cuban intelligence. García pointed out that the information he possesses remains valuable to the U.S. intelligence community, as it could expose the identities of previously recruited agents and their links to still-operational espionage networks.
Another crucial aspect is the absence of images or videos of his detention, leading to speculation that authorities might be interrogating him before making the information more public. This suggests that the FBI is assessing the extent of his knowledge and determining whether he still poses a national security threat.
Concern Among the Cuban-American Community
The case has stirred concern among Cuban exiles, who denounce the presence of regime spies in the United States. Analysts warn that there may be other former Cuban intelligence officers living in the country without having disclosed their past, representing a latent risk. The arrest of Hernández Cruz could also signal a shift in the U.S. government's stance on the presence of Cuban spies on its soil, tightening controls on former members of the island's security apparatus.
Meanwhile, Hernández Cruz remains in custody at the Krome Detention Center, awaiting the judicial proceedings that will determine his future.
Understanding the Implications of Hernández Cruz's Arrest
Why was Tomás Emilio Hernández Cruz arrested in Florida?
He was arrested for obtaining U.S. residency fraudulently by not disclosing his past as a Cuban spy and Communist Party member.
What type of training did Hernández Cruz receive in Moscow?
Hernández Cruz received specialized training in espionage and information manipulation at a KGB spy academy in Moscow.
Is there concern about other Cuban spies in the United States?
Yes, there is concern among Cuban exiles and analysts that other former Cuban intelligence officers may be living in the U.S. without revealing their pasts, posing a potential risk.