A Cuban national is among the immigrants apprehended this week by the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in an operation targeting individuals with a record of sexual violence and serious offenses against minors.
This detention is part of a federal initiative, described by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) as a concerted effort to remove "the worst child predators" from the streets.
Through an official announcement on November 14, DHS revealed that Jorge Luis Rodríguez-Pérez, a Cuban native, was among those arrested. He had been convicted in Los Angeles for performing oral sex on a minor under 14, with previous charges of theft. Authorities labeled him a "criminal illegal immigrant," highlighting the severity of his criminal history.
"Just yesterday, ICE arrested pedophiles, kidnappers, and child abusers who are illegal immigrants," a DHS spokesperson stated. "President Trump and Secretary Noem are swiftly removing dangerous child predators from our streets... These individuals should never have set foot in the United States."
Rodríguez-Pérez was apprehended alongside immigrants from El Salvador, Guatemala, and Mexico, all convicted of sexual assault, kidnapping, or harm to minors. This operation aligns with a stricter immigration policy aimed at expediting the removal of foreigners with criminal records.
Trend of Arrests Among Cuban Immigrants
This case comes just days after ICE agents in Miami announced the arrest of two Cubans with serious sexual offense histories, signaling a troubling trend for the Cuban immigrant community in the United States.
On Saturday, authorities reported the arrest of Rolquis Torres Ricardo, a Cuban with convictions for child sexual abuse and domestic violence. He was taken into custody at his Miami residence and transferred to the detention center known as Alligator Alcatraz, pending deportation.
Hours later, ICE confirmed the capture of Allen Gómez, 57, labeled by the agency as a "sexual predator." Gómez had been convicted of lewd and lascivious acts with a minor, in addition to failing to register as a sex offender.
Message to the Cuban Immigrant Community
While ICE emphasizes that its primary goal is to "protect public safety" by focusing on individuals with violent backgrounds, these operations often cause concern among undocumented Cubans living in fear of being detained for minor infractions or incomplete immigration processes.
The agency reiterated its commitment to arresting criminals among the foreign population, sending a message during a time of increasing uncertainty for thousands of Cubans navigating immigration proceedings in the United States.
Key Questions About ICE Operations and Cuban Immigrants
What criteria does ICE use to target immigrants for arrest?
ICE primarily targets individuals with a history of violent crimes, particularly those involving sexual offenses against minors, as part of its public safety mandate.
How does this operation affect the Cuban immigrant community?
These operations heighten anxiety within the Cuban immigrant community, especially among those undocumented or with unresolved immigration issues, as they fear being targeted for minor or administrative reasons.
Why is there an increase in arrests of Cuban immigrants for sexual offenses?
The increase may reflect broader enforcement actions by ICE under policies prioritizing the arrest of immigrants with serious criminal backgrounds, rather than a specific focus on Cuban nationals.