This past Easter weekend, the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) apprehended three Cuban nationals in Florida. These individuals, who have previous convictions for serious offenses, were detained as part of operations conducted in the days leading up to the holiday, according to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
These undocumented immigrants from Cuba were found in several cities across southern and central Florida, including Miami, Palm Beach, and Sarasota—areas known for their significant Cuban communities.
Their capture is part of a broader federal initiative that the DHS has highlighted as an effort to remove dangerous foreign criminals from the streets, individuals who pose a threat to public safety, under the campaign titled "Worst of the Worst."
In an official announcement released on Monday, the agency noted the Easter weekend arrest of Reinier Fuentes Armentero, who had previously been convicted on four counts related to the possession, control, or intentional viewing of child sexual exploitation material in Palm Beach. This case is among the most severe of those ICE has handled in recent days.
Also included in the roundup is Yordan Carreras Céspedes, who was detained over the weekend and has a conviction for the unarmed theft of an unoccupied vehicle in Sarasota.
Meanwhile, Israel Serrano Aguilera, with a criminal history of aggravated harassment in Miami, was taken into custody last Thursday in that city, as per a statement issued on April 4.
The latest ICE operations have resulted in the arrest of illegal immigrants from various nationalities, with convictions for crimes such as murder, sexual assault of minors, child pornography, drug trafficking, harassment, theft, and other serious offenses.
Acting Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security, Lauren Bis, emphasized that the federal agency is "dedicated to securing our homeland and will not relent in its mission to remove criminals from our communities."
These operations are part of ICE's intensified actions under President Donald Trump's second administration, focusing on the arrest and deportation of undocumented immigrants with criminal records.
The official stated that nearly 70% of ICE arrests involve immigrants without legal status who are accused or convicted of a crime in the U.S., reiterating the president's aim to "make the country safe again." She highlighted that "more than three million undocumented immigrants are outside the country, and the number continues to rise."
The "Worst of the Worst" campaign was launched during Trump's second term, which began in January 2025, specifically targeting undocumented immigrants with serious criminal backgrounds. The DHS has created the site WOW.DHS.Gov to share these cases with the public.
Understanding ICE Operations in Florida
Why were the three Cuban nationals arrested in Florida?
The three Cuban nationals were arrested due to their previous convictions for serious criminal offenses, as part of ICE operations aimed at removing dangerous individuals from the streets.
What is the "Worst of the Worst" campaign?
The "Worst of the Worst" campaign is an ICE initiative focused on apprehending undocumented immigrants with severe criminal records, aiming to enhance public safety by targeting those who pose the greatest threat.
How does ICE prioritize its arrest operations?
ICE prioritizes arrest operations based on the severity of criminal activity and the threat to public safety, focusing on undocumented immigrants with significant criminal backgrounds.