Recently, two interviews unveiled new insights regarding Fernando Armando Valdés Pérez, a Cuban-Guatemalan deported by ICE on August 7. Accused of being an operative for the Cuban regime's intelligence, Valdés Pérez allegedly infiltrated the anti-Castro exile community in Miami for nearly thirty years.
These interviews—one on Univision with Santiago Álvarez, a Cuban exile, and another by journalist Mario Pentón with Orlando González, director of the Legal Rescue Foundation—shed light on how Valdés Pérez, aged 61 and based in Kendall, operated under the radar despite suspicions.
Suspicion in the Exile Community
Santiago Álvarez, a prominent figure among Cuban exiles, remained cautious of Valdés Pérez. In a conversation with journalist Daniel Benítez, Álvarez stated, "I've always suspected he belonged to State Security." He wasn't alone in his concerns; both Orlando González and Ernesto Obregón voiced similar doubts.
Despite Valdés Pérez’s attempts to get close to Álvarez's inner circle—Álvarez even showcased a box of cigars gifted by Valdés Pérez as a gesture—he never succeeded. However, he did manage to win the trust of Luis Posada Carriles, visiting him frequently while Posada was detained in Panama from 2000 to 2004. "Luis was blind, blind, blind," Álvarez remarked about Posada Carriles' confidence in the suspected spy.
Inside Information from Cuba
José Cohen, a former Cuban intelligence agent, speculated that the information ICE used to identify Valdés Pérez might have originated from within Cuba. "There are many people in Cuba sharing files and exposing wrongdoers," he noted.
Warnings Ignored by Authorities
Orlando González, known as "Landy" in exile circles, claimed he alerted the FBI about his suspicions nearly 20 years ago, following a trip to Guatemala around 2005 or 2006. He recalled that he stayed at Valdés Pérez’s house, which was conveniently located just two blocks from the Cuban consulate. When questioned, Valdés Pérez allegedly said, "You have to keep your enemies close."
González recounted that upon his return to the United States, the FBI detained him for a thorough interrogation, asking if he had met with any Cuban government officials. González replied that, based on his discoveries, he could not rule out Valdés Pérez as a regime operative.
A Risky Encounter on the Río Dulce
One unsettling incident occurred when Valdés Pérez took González by boat along the Río Dulce to Puerto Barrios. Upon reaching the dock, Guatemalan military personnel, mistaking González for "Santiago's right-hand man," offered to smuggle arms into Cuba. "What amount of weapons do you want, and we'll deliver them anywhere in Cuba?" they asked, according to González, who declined the offer.
Political Connections and Unheeded Warnings
González described Valdés Pérez as someone who navigated political circles with ease, allegedly providing funds for the campaigns of various U.S. congressmen, though he did not name them. Valdés Pérez reportedly donated $2,500 personally and another $2,500 on behalf of each companion.
He also arranged the 90th birthday celebration for Posada Carriles, marking his final birthday before his death in May 2018. Despite these indicators, González lamented that his warnings were ignored for years. "Nobody listened to me," he said, feeling a bittersweet vindication after the deportation. "I'm glad my friends finally realized I was right," he added, emphasizing the need to remain vigilant against the long reach of the Cuban regime.
This case adds to a series of recent arrests of Cubans linked to the regime's intelligence apparatus, as the U.S. State Department labeled Cuba as "the espionage empire" last July. ICE has not disclosed what information Valdés Pérez gathered or if others are under investigation. Many still wonder why the U.S. government chose to deport him to Guatemala without filing espionage charges.
Valdés Pérez's deportation by ICE highlights ongoing issues within the current migration landscape. Stay informed on all developments in our U.S. Immigration section.
Key Questions About the Deportation of Fernando Valdés Pérez
Why was Fernando Valdés Pérez deported from the U.S.?
Fernando Valdés Pérez was deported by ICE due to allegations of being involved with Cuban intelligence, infiltrating the anti-Castro exile community in Miami for decades.
What suspicions surrounded Valdés Pérez?
Santiago Álvarez and others in the exile community suspected Valdés Pérez of being affiliated with Cuban State Security, although no charges were initially brought against him.
How did Valdés Pérez maintain connections with U.S. political figures?
Orlando González claimed Valdés Pérez contributed funds to various U.S. congressional campaigns, allowing him to move within influential political circles.