Ex-Cuban Spy Caught Living Among Us: The Shocking Broward County Arrest

Residents of Weston, Florida, were taken by surprise when federal agents showed up at a home in their peaceful neighborhood. Their target? A former Cuban intelligence officer who, according to authorities, had been living in the U.S. under false pretenses.

The man, whose name has not been publicly released, was arrested by the FBI and ICE on charges of fraudulently obtaining U.S. residency. Investigators say he failed to disclose his past as a member of Cuba’s General Directorate of Intelligence (DGI) when applying for permanent residency.

How It Happened

Early one morning, FBI and ICE agents moved in, taking the suspect into custody without incident. According to officials, the man had been under investigation for some time. Evidence suggested that he had intentionally concealed his ties to Cuban intelligence, which made his U.S. residency invalid.

“We take these cases very seriously,” an ICE spokesperson said. “National security is our top priority, and anyone who deceives the system to gain entry into the U.S. will be held accountable.”

If convicted, he could lose his legal residency and face deportation. Officials are now digging deeper to see if he had any ongoing ties to the Cuban government.

Not the First Case Like This

This isn’t the first time a former Cuban intelligence officer has been caught hiding in plain sight in the U.S.

• In 2019, Saúl Santos Ferro, another ex-Cuban spy, was sentenced to six months in prison for lying on his residency application. He was later set for deportation, but Cuba refused to take him back.
• In 2023, Manuel Rocha, a former U.S. ambassador, was arrested in a shocking case that revealed he had secretly worked as a Cuban agent for over 40 years. His betrayal rocked national security circles.

What This Means for National Security

For many, this arrest serves as a stark reminder that Cuba’s intelligence services remain active, even decades after the Cold War. The U.S. government has long suspected that Cuban intelligence keeps close tabs on Cuban exiles, monitors political movements, and tries to influence discussions about Cuba within the U.S.

Former spies like this one pose potential risks, especially if they maintain secret relationships with their former agencies. Law enforcement officials are now investigating whether this individual had any suspicious activity while living in Florida.

What Happens Next?

The suspect is now in legal limbo. Federal prosecutors will argue that he should be stripped of his residency and deported, but it’s not always that simple. Cuba has a history of refusing to accept deported spies, which could complicate the case. If the suspect fights the charges, the legal process could drag on for months, if not years.

Authorities have not disclosed what the man was doing for work or whether he was under surveillance before his arrest. The case is ongoing, and officials encourage anyone with relevant information to come forward.

A Spy Among Us?

For many Cuban Americans, this arrest brings back memories of past espionage cases. Some believe the Cuban government is still keeping tabs on dissidents and former officials who defected. Others worry about what this means for national security—if one ex-spy made it in, how many others are out there?

This story is far from over, and as investigators dig deeper, more details could emerge about just how much of a threat this man posed to U.S. interests.