ICE Arrests Cuban in New Jersey After Federal Prison Release

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Newark arrested Michel Proenza Martínez, an undocumented Cuban citizen with a final deportation order, immediately after he was released from a federal prison in New Jersey.

ICE described Proenza Martínez as an “illegal criminal offender” with an extensive record that includes burglary, vehicle theft, drug-related offenses, and federal robbery under the Hobbs Act, a serious charge that can carry up to 20 years in prison for each count and requires serving 85% of the sentence without the possibility of parole.

Pattern of coordinated arrests

This case follows a pattern of other recent ICE arrests, where they intercept undocumented immigrants with deportation orders directly at the exit of correctional facilities.

On March 6, ERO Newark arrested Cuban Álvaro Tuero, convicted of sexual assault against a 13-year-old minor as he was leaving the Bridgeton state prison.

That same day, ICE arrested in Boston, Massachusetts, Cuban José Adalberto Miranda Espino, who had a record for second-degree murder and had a final deportation order issued since January 18, 2001.

Escalation under Trump

The operations are part of intensified actions by ICE under President Donald Trump’s second administration, which prioritizes the arrest and deportation of undocumented immigrants with criminal records.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has stated that approximately 70% of those arrested by ICE are convicted criminals or face active criminal proceedings.

In parallel, deportations of Cubans to the island have significantly increased. On February 9, the first repatriation flight of the year arrived in Havana with 170 individuals, of which at least 50 have convictions for serious crimes such as murder, rape, kidnapping, and drug trafficking.

Historic policy shift

The acceptance by the Cuban regime of nationals with criminal records in the U.S. marks a significant milestone in deportation policy, given Havana’s historical reluctance to accept back citizens of the island who committed crimes and remained in that country since before January 2017.

Until March 19, ICE had completed three flights with 403 Cubans deported so far in 2026.

According to DHS figures, since January 2025, 1,901 Cubans have been deported, bringing the total of immigrants from the island expelled during both terms of Trump to 5,286, a historic record that far exceeds those recorded under the administrations of Joe Biden, Barack Obama, and George W. Bush.

FAQ: Cuban deportations from the US

Why does ICE arrest Cubans upon prison release?

ICE implements a coordinated arrest strategy by waiting for immigrants with pending deportation orders directly at the exits of federal and state correctional facilities.

How many Cubans have been deported in 2026?

Through March 2026, a total of 427 Cubans have been deported on multiple flights, marking record levels under the Trump administration.

Does Cuba accept deportees with criminal records?

Yes, for the first time since 1994, Cuba has begun accepting the repatriation of Cuban citizens with criminal records in the United States, representing a significant shift in bilateral policy.

What types of crimes have deportees committed?

Deportees include individuals convicted of serious crimes such as murder, rape, kidnapping, drug trafficking, Hobbs Act robbery, and sexual offenses against minors.