ICE Arrests Cuban with Sexual Offense History

The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced Thursday the arrest of Bárbaro Grass-Vásquez, a Cuban citizen with a criminal history for sexual offenses and a final deportation order that has been in effect since 2020.

According to the federal agency’s social media reports, the detainee had been convicted in Nevada on four counts of sexual assault, offenses that carried a life sentence. However, he was subsequently released on parole by the Nevada Department of Corrections.

Criminal History and Deportation

“Four counts of sexual assault resulted in a life sentence in Nevada for the illegal Cuban immigrant and criminal Bárbaro Grass-Vásquez, but he was released on parole shortly after… Now, thanks to ICE agents, he is no longer on the streets,” the agency stated.

ICE emphasized that the individual has a final order of removal issued in 2020, and he will be deported as part of current immigration enforcement operations.

Pattern of Recent Arrests

The arrest occurs amid tightening immigration policies in the United States, where authorities have intensified actions against irregular immigrants, particularly those with criminal records.

In recent weeks, the agency has reported several arrests of Cuban citizens with serious criminal backgrounds:

• Ramón Enrique Oliva Lao: Arrested in New Orleans with multiple charges including theft, evasion of arrest, endangerment of minors, and credit card fraud.

• José Adalberto Miranda Espino: Captured in Boston with a final deportation order since 2001 and a record for second-degree murder.

• Aliosky Rosales Michelena: Detained in Detroit with a history including murder, armed robbery, and aggravated assault against an elderly person.

Deportation Statistics

In the specific case of Cuban citizens, deportation numbers have significantly increased in recent months. Between January 2025 and February 19, 2026, the United States deported 1,784 Cubans on flights organized by ICE.

One of the most recent operations, carried out on February 9, 2026, repatriated 170 Cubans on a single flight, including at least 50 who had been sentenced for serious crimes such as murder, rape, kidnapping, and drug trafficking.

Current Immigration Policy

These actions are part of a broader strategy driven by the Trump administration, which has strengthened joint operations between federal agencies and local law enforcement to locate, apprehend, and deport immigrants without legal status, particularly those with criminal records.

According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), approximately 70% of immigrants arrested during these operations are convicted criminals or facing criminal charges.

Currently, more than 42,000 Cuban citizens with final deportation orders remain in the United States, according to official DHS figures, indicating that detention and expulsion operations will continue in the coming months.

Change in Cuban Government Policy

This marks a significant change, as for years the Cuban government refused to accept the return of citizens with criminal records who had emigrated before 2017. With this shift, deportation flights to the island have reached record numbers.

According to data from Café Fuerte, more than 5,000 Cubans have been expelled during Trump’s administration, marking the highest level on record.

Frequently Asked Questions

What crimes did Bárbaro Grass-Vásquez commit?

He was convicted of four counts of sexual assault in Nevada, offenses that carried a life sentence, though he was later released on parole.

How many Cubans have been deported recently?

Between January 2025 and February 2026, the United States deported 1,784 Cubans. Throughout the Trump administration, more than 5,000 Cubans have been expelled from the country.

Why have Cuban deportations increased?

This marks a significant change, as for years the Cuban government refused to accept citizens with criminal records who had emigrated before 2017. The policy shift has enabled record deportation flights.

How many Cubans have pending deportation orders?

According to DHS, more than 42,000 Cuban citizens with final deportation orders currently remain in the United States.

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• ICE Deports 170 Cubans on Record Flight from Miami
• Maduro’s Fall Accelerates Migration: Cuba Without 90% Venezuelan Oil
• Cuba Oil Crisis: Moscow Ultimatum and Trump Sanctions

Sources:

• ICE - X (Twitter)
• CiberCuba
• Department of Homeland Security