The United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has announced the arrest of a Cuban national, Rolquis Torres Ricardo, in Miami. Torres Ricardo has a criminal record that includes child sexual abuse and domestic violence.
According to a statement shared on the social media platform X, ICE labeled Torres Ricardo as a "convicted criminal." He was apprehended at his residence by ICE agents in Miami, with assistance from state authorities.
The Cuban immigrant has been taken to the detention facility known as Alligator Alcatraz, located in the Everglades, where he is currently held while awaiting deportation proceedings.
This case is part of a recent trend where the U.S. government has intensified its efforts to deport foreign nationals with criminal backgrounds, especially those of Cuban descent.
Earlier in November, ICE reported the detention of another Cuban, Jorge Muñiz García, also at Alligator Alcatraz. Muñiz García has an extensive criminal history, including attempted murder, armed robbery, and burglary.
These incidents reflect the hardline stance of former President Donald Trump's administration, which launched the "Worst of the Worst" campaign. This initiative aims to identify and deport immigrants deemed threats to public safety.
However, deporting Cuban nationals remains a challenging and lengthy process, as the Havana government refuses to accept citizens with criminal records or those who left the island prior to the 2017 migration agreements. As a result, some Cubans with final deportation orders have been sent to third countries, despite the dangers they may face there.
The most recent deportation flight to Cuba occurred on November 6, when 232 irregular migrants were returned to the island from the United States, marking the tenth air operation this year. According to the Cuban Ministry of the Interior (MININT), three of these individuals are under investigation for alleged crimes committed before leaving Cuba.
With this operation, the total number of Cubans deported from the U.S. in 2025 has reached 1,231, a figure surpassing previous levels and highlighting the tougher U.S. immigration policy.
The arrest of Torres Ricardo in Miami is part of a broader pattern of raids and expulsions that signal a return to stricter migration control measures, particularly targeting Cubans facing criminal charges in the United States.
Implications of U.S. Deportation Policies on Cuban Nationals
Why is it difficult to deport Cuban nationals from the U.S.?
Deporting Cuban nationals is challenging because the Cuban government often refuses to accept citizens with criminal records or those who left the island before certain migration agreements, complicating the deportation process.
What is the "Worst of the Worst" campaign?
Launched by the Trump administration, the "Worst of the Worst" campaign focuses on identifying and deporting immigrants considered threats to public safety, especially those with serious criminal backgrounds.
How many Cubans have been deported from the U.S. in 2025?
As of now, 1,231 Cubans have been deported from the United States in 2025, reflecting a significant increase in deportation numbers under the current U.S. immigration policy.