Latest news with #RepresoresCubanos
Time of India
27-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Cuban-Americans no longer protected as Trump deportation policy bites hard
In March 2025, federal agents detained 71-year-old Tomás Hernández outside his residence in the Miami area. Authorities allege that Hernández, who previously held senior positions within Cuba's foreign intelligence agency, concealed his affiliations with the Communist Party during his US residency application process. Cuban-American community reacts to deportation measures The apprehension of Hernández and other former Cuban officials has elicited mixed reactions within South Florida's Cuban-American community. While some view the actions as necessary for national security, others perceive them as a betrayal, especially given the community's historical support for Republican policies. Also read: Donald Trump's immigration crackdown backfires as key Republican voter base feels the heat from program's termination Revocation of humanitarian protections for Cuban migrants In a significant policy shift, the Trump administration revoked temporary humanitarian parole for approximately 300,000 Cuban migrants in March 2025. This move has left many individuals vulnerable to detention and potential deportation, disrupting the lives of those who had previously been granted protection under earlier immigration frameworks. Live Events Among those affected is Eliéxer Márquez, known as El Funky, a Cuban rapper recognized for his anti-communist anthem "Patria y Vida." Despite his vocal support for President Trump, Márquez received notice in April 2025 to depart the US within 30 days, underscoring the broad reach of the administration's immigration policies. Since the enactment of the Cuban Adjustment Act in 1966, Cuban immigrants have benefited from expedited pathways to US residency. This preferential treatment distinguished them from other migrant groups, fostering a sense of security that is now being challenged by recent policy changes. Also read: Trump touts immigration crackdown despite concerns about due process The intensified deportation efforts have sparked political debates, with some Republican leaders advocating for stricter enforcement against former Cuban state agents. Conversely, grassroots organizations and Democratic figures have criticized the measures, arguing they undermine the trust and contributions of the Cuban-American community. Despite policy intentions, logistical hurdles persist. The US currently conducts one deportation flight to Cuba per month, accommodating approximately 60 individuals. Given the estimated 500,000 Cubans who arrived during the Biden administration without protected status, the deportation process faces significant delays and complications. Also read: US Immigration Crackdown | 350,000 Venezuelans face deportation risk as Trump gets SC nod Activists like Luis Dominguez have taken proactive roles in identifying former Cuban state agents residing in the US. Through platforms like Represores Cubanos, Dominguez has compiled lists of individuals allegedly involved in past human rights abuses, sharing this information with federal authorities to aid enforcement actions.
Yahoo
15-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Federal authorities arrest Miami man who allegedly cracked down on protesters in Cuba
Federal authorities have arrested a South Florida man they say is a former Cuban official who assaulted protesters during mass anti-government demonstrations on the island. Homeland Security Investigations, a law enforcement agency within the Department of Homeland Security, said on Monday that it had arrested 57-year-old Daniel Morejón García at his Miami home. Morejón García did not disclose he had been a member of the island's communist party who had worked in the Ministry of Interior when he applied to enter the United States, according to the agency. HSI, which worked in collaboration with U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the FBI on the case, said it based its investigation on government documents and other sources. Under federal immigration law, the U.S. government can revoke someone's permanent residency, visa or citizenship if they lied on their application for immigration benefits. Additionally, being a member of a Communist party or committing human rights violations can disqualify someone from being allowed to come to the United States. Represores Cubanos, a watchdog group that tracks people accused of human rights violations in Cuba, lists Morejón García as a 'violent repressor' who was living in his daughter's house in Miami. The organization says Morejón García cracked down on protesters during the July 11 protests in 2021. During the protests, thousands of people poured out into the streets demanding democracy and change for the island. Morejón García belonged to the 'Rapid Response Brigades,' a civilian group that helps the Cuban government stifle social unrest, HSI said. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's detainee locator show Morejón García he is in the agency's custody at the Krome detention center in southnwest Miami-Dade County. He is in the process of being deported. U.S. Rep. Carlos Gimenez, a Cuban-American Republican from Miami, sent a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem last month requesting that her agency to deport dozens of former Cuban government officials and Cuba Communist Party members who were living in the United States. Among them is Morejón García. The names were compiled through the Represores Cubanos database and other groups. 'It is unacceptable that the United States would provide sanctuary to individuals who have actively worked to oppress and persecute the Cuban people,' Gimenez wrote.
Miami Herald
14-04-2025
- Politics
- Miami Herald
Federal authorities arrest Miami man who allegedly cracked down on protesters in Cuba
Federal authorities have arrested a South Florida man they say is a former Cuban official who assaulted protesters during mass anti-government demonstrations on the island. Homeland Security Investigations, a law enforcement agency within the Department of Homeland Security, said on Monday that it had arrested 57-year-old Daniel Morejón García at his Miami home. Morejón García did not disclose he had been a member of the island's communist party who had worked in the Ministry of Interior when he applied to enter the United States, according to the agency. HSI, which worked in collaboration with U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the FBI on the case, said it based its investigation on government documents and other sources. Under federal immigration law, the U.S. government can revoke someone's permanent residency, visa or citizenship if they lied on their application for immigration benefits. Additionally, being a member of a Communist party or committing human rights violations can disqualify someone from being allowed to come to the United States. Represores Cubanos, a watchdog group that tracks people accused of human rights violations in Cuba, lists Morejón García as a 'violent repressor' who was living in his daughter's house in Miami. The organization says Morejón García cracked down on protesters during the July 11 protests in 2021. During the protests, thousands of people poured out into the streets demanding democracy and change for the island. Morejón García belonged to the 'Rapid Response Brigades,' a civilian group that helps the Cuban government stifle social unrest, HSI said. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's detainee locator show Morejón García he is in the agency's custody at the Krome detention center in southnwest Miami-Dade County. He is in the process of being deported. U.S. Rep. Carlos Gimenez, a Cuban-American Republican from Miami, sent a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem last month requesting that her agency to deport dozens of former Cuban government officials and Cuba Communist Party members who were living in the United States. Among them is Morejón García. The names were compiled through the Represores Cubanos database and other groups. 'It is unacceptable that the United States would provide sanctuary to individuals who have actively worked to oppress and persecute the Cuban people,' Gimenez wrote.
