The aspirations of a Cuban family to achieve the "American dream" were swiftly dashed upon their entry into the United States through Arizona's southern border. The U.S. Border Patrol apprehended the four family members, who now face deportation, local authorities reported.
According to Sean McGuffin, the Chief Patrol Agent of the Tucson Sector, the family was detained by agents from Casa Grande near Papago after crossing the border illegally. McGuffin shared this update on the social media platform X, noting, "Apparently, they didn't get the memo, but anyone crossing the border illegally faces arrest or expulsion."
The identities of the four detained Cubans have not been disclosed by the authorities. This incident occurs amid a tightening of U.S. immigration policies following the return of President Donald Trump to power. Trump has consistently vowed to end illegal immigration and implement the largest deportation operation in the nation's history.
The Trump administration has emphasized that all migrants with irregular status—a federal offense in the U.S.—will be treated as criminals and deported. Their immigration policy does not differentiate between those who have committed severe crimes and those who have merely entered the country unlawfully. As stated by White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt in late January, "Anyone entering the U.S. illegally is, by definition, a criminal and thus subject to deportation." While drug traffickers, rapists, and murderers are prioritized for ICE action, this does not exclude other illegal entrants from deportation proceedings.
The continuous arrests and mass deportations initiated since Trump's return to the presidency on January 20 have created an atmosphere of uncertainty among thousands of undocumented individuals residing in the U.S. Although the Republican president had pledged to target "violent criminals" for deportation, his policies clearly categorize all immigrants with irregular status as criminals who will be removed from the country.
Understanding U.S. Immigration Policies Under Trump
What are the consequences for crossing the U.S. border illegally?
Individuals who cross the U.S. border illegally face arrest by Border Patrol and potential deportation. They are treated as criminals under U.S. federal law.
How has President Trump's administration impacted immigration policies?
President Trump's administration has implemented stricter immigration policies, focusing on ending illegal immigration and carrying out extensive deportations of individuals with irregular status.
Are there any exceptions to these deportation policies?
The current policies do not differentiate between immigrants who have committed serious crimes and those who have simply entered the country unlawfully. All are subject to deportation.