A 71-year-old Cuban national has been arrested in Florida on charges of immigration fraud, with allegations of ties to Cuban intelligence. Tomas Emilio Hernandez Cruz was taken into custody Friday by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in collaboration with the FBI.
The arrest followed an investigation into fraudulent claims made by Hernandez Cruz on his application for Legal Permanent Resident (LPR) status.
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In September 2023, the ICE Homeland Security Investigations Document and Benefit Fraud Task Force, alongside the FBI Miami Division, initiated an investigation into inconsistencies in Hernandez Cruz’s immigration application.
The investigation revealed that Hernandez Cruz had allegedly held various high-level positions within Cuban intelligence while serving overseas.
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He is accused of knowingly and willfully concealing his true position and profession within the Cuban Communist Party to deceive U.S. authorities when applying for and obtaining his LPR status.
Hernandez Cruz was arrested at his residence in West Park, processed, and is currently in ICE custody pending removal proceedings.
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