A Cuban national found himself in custody in Cheyenne, Wyoming, after local law enforcement alleged he was driving the wrong way on a one-way street, nearly colliding with an officer outside the Laramie County Sheriff's Office.
The incident unfolded on Friday, September 18, culminating with the driver, identified by the initials Y.P.R., being apprehended when authorities discovered his Wyoming driver's license and visa were expired, according to a report from Cowboy State Daily referencing local officials.
Officer's Close Call with Reckless Driver
Deputy Chief Chance Walkama recounted that the ordeal began as he was ending his shift and standing by his vehicle outside the sheriff's office on 20th Street.
Walkama described seeing a white Chevrolet Cavalier coming toward him in the opposite direction, its driver seemingly engrossed in a cellphone.
"When I looked up, there was that white Cavalier with the driver staring at the phone. He looked up and saw me. He was going the wrong way down 20th," Walkama told Cowboy State Daily.
Authorities reported that the vehicle narrowly missed hitting the officer, who then managed to stop the driver.
Upon further checks, officers confirmed that the Cuban driver's Wyoming license had expired, and Walkama added that his visa had lapsed several months prior.
Involvement of Immigration Authorities
The Sheriff's Office subsequently reached out to the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency. Walkama noted that they were informed the detainee was flagged on a federal watchlist.
"When situations like this arise, we just contact the local ICE and see if they want us to place a hold on the individual," Walkama explained.
The specifics regarding why the Cuban appeared on that list or if he faced any pending deportation or immigration proceedings remain undisclosed.
Unexpected Arrest Caps Off Operation
This arrest came at the conclusion of "Truck Around and Find Out," a road safety operation spearheaded by Laramie County Sheriff Brian Kozak. Over the week, 16 other drivers had been detained, with the Cuban man marking the 17th as officers were heading back to the station.
"We were wrapping up the operation on Friday, closing down, heading back to the station, and guess what?" Kozak recounted.
The sheriff emphasized, "He almost ran over the officer. That was our final arrest," as reported by Cowboy State Daily.
The Sheriff's Office clarified that "Truck Around and Find Out" is not specifically targeting undocumented immigrants nor strictly focusing on commercial vehicles.
Legal Challenges and Future Implications
The Laramie County Sheriff's Office has a 287(g) agreement with ICE, allowing specially trained local officers to perform functions related to federal immigration laws.
This partnership has led to legal challenges. The ACLU of Wyoming filed a lawsuit against Kozak, questioning the validity of these agreements. However, the case was dismissed in August due to a lack of standing, and the organization has announced plans to appeal.
As of now, there are no public statements from the detained Cuban in Wyoming or any legal representative, leaving his side of the story yet to be heard.
This incident is part of the ever-evolving immigration landscape. Stay updated on arrests, deportations, and ICE operations in our U.S. Immigration section.
Understanding Immigration Arrests in Wyoming
What led to the Cuban man's arrest in Wyoming?
He was arrested for driving the wrong way on a one-way street and nearly hitting an officer, compounded by having an expired driver's license and visa.
What is the 287(g) agreement mentioned in the article?
The 287(g) agreement allows local law enforcement officers, trained by ICE, to perform certain federal immigration enforcement duties.
How does the ACLU of Wyoming view the 287(g) agreements?
The ACLU of Wyoming has challenged these agreements, leading to a lawsuit questioning their legality, although it was dismissed for lack of standing.