A Cuban national accused of assault and committing a felony with weapons was captured by the United States Border Patrol (USBP) in Portland, Oregon, and is now facing deportation proceedings.
The announcement was made by Chief Patrol Agent Michael W. Banks through a post on the agency’s official social media account on X, featuring a video showing the arrest by heavily armed, masked agents.
Banks stated that the "dangerous" Cuban individual was detained on October 21 by the USBP Special Operations Group in the northwestern U.S. city, though his name and immigration status were not disclosed.
He further explained that the man was sought for aggravated assault with a weapon and a felony charge involving firearms. “Deportation procedures are currently underway,” he emphasized.
Operation Highlights and Cultural References
The announcement cleverly paraphrased the introduction of the main theme from the 1990s American TV series "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air," starring Will Smith, and included a line from the show's iconic theme song, which Smith wrote and performed.
"This is the story of how... this criminal’s life got flipped, turned upside down!" Banks wrote, sarcastically referring to the capture and impending removal of the Cuban national.
The Border Patrol has not provided additional information regarding this arrest.
Wider Context of Cuban Migrant Detentions
This case adds to the growing number of undocumented Cuban migrant arrests in recent months, part of a vigorous crackdown led by immigration agencies, particularly the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and enforced nationwide as part of policies introduced by the Trump administration in January.
In recent weeks, numerous arrests of Cubans with irregular immigration status have been reported, with several individuals having extensive criminal records for serious offenses.
Among those detained are Cubans with an I-220A immigration status who, despite complying with all immigration requirements and having no criminal history, were detained by ICE and face deportation—a move deemed arbitrary and unjust by their families and legal representatives.
Challenges in Deporting Cuban Nationals
However, the deportation process for Cuban nationals often becomes complex and drawn-out due to the Cuban government's refusal to accept individuals with criminal histories who have been outside the country since before the 2017 migration agreements.
According to official data from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), over 42,000 Cubans have final deportation orders. Still, the reluctance of the Havana regime to receive these individuals back complicates expulsion efforts.
Consequently, Cubans with extensive criminal records and final deportation orders have been sent to third countries, even when they have no personal ties there and face risks such as torture or death, as reported by human rights organizations and legal experts.
At least four Cubans have been deported to African countries like South Sudan, Eswatini, and Rwanda, while others have been sent to Mexico.
Ongoing Deportation Operations
Meanwhile, monthly deportation flights from the U.S. continue for Cubans accepted by the island’s government, in accordance with existing migration agreements between the two nations.
The latest deportation flight was reported on November 6, with 232 individuals returned to Cuba. This brings the total number of deportations under the Trump administration in 2025 to 1,231, significantly exceeding the 978 deportations recorded under President Joe Biden since ICE deportation flights resumed in April 2023.
Key Questions About Cuban Deportations
Why is the Cuban government reluctant to accept deported nationals?
The Cuban government is often unwilling to accept deported nationals, particularly those with criminal histories, as it poses challenges to their internal policies and resources. Additionally, individuals deported after the 2017 agreements are not always welcome back.
What are the implications of deporting Cubans to third countries?
Deporting Cubans to third countries can lead to significant human rights concerns, including risks of torture or death, especially when these individuals have no ties to those countries. It also raises legal and ethical questions about international deportation practices.