In a coordinated operation involving federal, state, and local agencies in the United States, at least three undocumented Cuban immigrants with criminal histories were apprehended in the Florida Keys last Friday. These individuals are currently awaiting deportation, as announced by authorities.
The U.S. Border Patrol agents from the Marathon station (Miami Sector), assisted by the Monroe County Sheriff's Office, the Key West Police Department, and the Florida Department of Corrections, took into custody seven undocumented foreigners. Each of these individuals was found to have an extensive criminal background, according to a statement released Monday on the official website of the Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
Among those detained, three are identified as Cuban nationals with prior convictions. One of the individuals was previously convicted for elder abuse, while the other two faced charges related to drug trafficking, specifically methamphetamine and oxycodone. The names of the arrested Cubans have not been disclosed by authorities.
The statement did not clarify if there were more Cuban migrants among the detainees; however, it did mention a Guatemalan citizen previously convicted for driving under the influence and causing severe injury to another person.
All the undocumented immigrants arrested have been processed and are now in the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), awaiting deportation from the United States.
These arrests are part of a "multi-agency initiative aimed at making the Florida Keys a safer place by removing dangerous criminals from local communities." Earlier this month, the Border Patrol, ICE, and the Monroe County Sheriff's Office arrested ten undocumented foreigners in the Florida Keys, at least two of whom were Cuban, all previously convicted as sex offenders.
“Criminal illegal immigrants will no longer hide in the shadows of bureaucracy. In the state of Florida, we have dismantled barriers between local, state, and federal jurisdictions, uniting as law enforcement agents to safeguard our communities and protect our nation from criminal illegal immigrants," declared Jeffrey Dinise, Chief Patrol Agent of the Miami Sector Border Patrol.
"I am proud of the dedication shown by our Border Patrol agents and our law enforcement partners, who are committed to public safety and our border security mission," the officer added.
ICE and other agencies have ramped up joint operations across U.S. states to detain undocumented immigrants with criminal records, in line with the stringent immigration policies enforced by the current administration under President Donald Trump. In operations conducted in the early weeks of the month, ICE apprehended 81 undocumented immigrants in Kentucky, including Cuban nationals.
Cuban Immigrants and U.S. Border Patrol Operations
What criminal charges were brought against the detained Cuban immigrants?
The detained Cuban immigrants faced charges for elder abuse and drug trafficking, specifically involving methamphetamine and oxycodone.
What agencies were involved in the operation in the Florida Keys?
The operation in the Florida Keys involved the U.S. Border Patrol, the Monroe County Sheriff's Office, the Key West Police Department, and the Florida Department of Corrections.
How has the current U.S. administration affected immigration enforcement?
The administration under President Donald Trump has implemented strict immigration policies, leading to increased joint operations by ICE and other agencies to arrest undocumented immigrants with criminal records.