U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Newark have apprehended Álvaro Tuero, an undocumented Cuban national, shortly after his release from a New Jersey state prison. Tuero had been convicted of sexual offenses against minors and was detained earlier this month.
This weekend, ICE publicly announced the arrest via its account on the social media platform X, labeling Tuero as a "repeat offender" convicted of sexual crimes against children.
According to records, Tuero was arrested on March 6 after being discharged from a state facility in Bridgeton, as reported by the Daily Voice.
Federal immigration authorities revealed that Tuero, who resides in Union City, has a criminal history that includes sexual assault on a child under 13, lewd acts, endangering a minor through sexual conduct, burglary, and several probation violations, among other offenses.
The New Jersey Department of Corrections records show that Tuero was most recently sentenced on October 25, 2024, in Hudson County. The court imposed a three-year prison term for endangering the welfare of a child through sexual acts, a crime committed on February 17, 2023. An additional maximum of 365 days was added for breaching a special sentence condition related to this offense.
Tuero's criminal activities date back to at least 2018 when he was arrested for violating probation terms under New Jersey's Megan's Law, as reported by the Jersey Journal. This law requires convicted sex offenders to register with local law enforcement, report address changes within 48 hours, and undergo annual verification. Non-compliance is considered a fourth-degree crime, punishable by up to 18 months in prison.
Tuero remains in federal custody, awaiting immigration proceedings for deportation.
His case highlights the increased operations of ICE under the second administration of President Donald Trump, which emphasizes the arrest and removal of undocumented immigrants with criminal records, particularly those involving violent and sexual offenses. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has stated that approximately 70% of those arrested are either convicted criminals or facing criminal charges.
In a series of intensified operations throughout March, ICE arrested two other Cubans with sexual offense records in Michigan and Florida. Federal agents also detained a Cuban national in Boston with a criminal background and a final deportation order.
Migratory authorities recently announced the arrest and deportation of two Cubans in Florida, both with extensive criminal histories.
Key Information about ICE Arrests of Cuban Nationals
What were the charges against Álvaro Tuero?
Álvaro Tuero was convicted of sexual offenses against minors, including sexual assault on a child under 13 and other related crimes.
When was Tuero arrested by ICE?
ICE agents arrested Tuero on March 6, shortly after he was released from a state prison in Bridgeton, New Jersey.
What is New Jersey's Megan's Law?
Megan's Law in New Jersey requires convicted sex offenders to register with local authorities, report any address changes within 48 hours, and undergo annual verification. Failure to comply is a punishable offense.