An alleged Cuban government official has been arrested in the United States for allegedly lying about his political affiliations and role in suppressing anti-government protests on the island.
Daniel Morejon Garcia, 57, was taken into custody at his residence following an investigation led by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), with support from the FBI and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
According to ICE, Morejon Garcia is a known member of the Cuban Communist Party and a former agent of the Ministry of the Interior — a powerful arm of the Cuban government responsible for state security and internal surveillance. He also allegedly served as President of the National Defense Council in the Artemisa province and was part of the Rapid Response Brigades, pro-government civilian groups trained to confront protesters.
“Morejon Garcia failed to disclose these affiliations when he entered the United States,” ICE stated in a release. “He fraudulently concealed his long-standing ties to the Cuban government and its security apparatus.”
Officials say Morejon Garcia was activated by Cuban authorities during the nationwide protests on July 11, 2021 — historic demonstrations that drew thousands of Cubans demanding freedom and an end to economic hardship. ICE alleges he took part in physically assaulting protesters as part of his duties with the Rapid Response Brigades.
Federal agents say they obtained official Cuban government documents and credible source information confirming Morejon Garcia’s background and involvement in the crackdown.
Under federal immigration law, the U.S. government can revoke an individual’s visa, permanent residency, or even citizenship if they are found to have lied on immigration applications. Additionally, being a member of a Communist party or committing human rights abuses can disqualify someone from being granted entry into the United States.
Last month, Miami-Dade Congressman Carlos Gimenez (R-FL) sent a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, urging immediate action to investigate and deport agents of the Castro regime. In his letter, Gimenez provided a list of individuals allegedly tied to Cuba’s repressive security forces — a list that included Daniel Morejon Garcia.
Friday HSI, @EROMiami, @FBIMiamiFL & @CBPSoutheast administratively arrested Daniel Morejon Garcia, 57. The investigation centered on fraudulent claims he allegedly made when entering the country. Morejon Garcia failed to disclose his membership in the Cuban Communist Party pic.twitter.com/mK3iPX9OrZ
— HSI Miami (@HSI_Miami) April 14, 2025
He was administratively arrested for being unlawfully present in the U.S. and is currently in ICE custody pending removal proceedings.
