DHS Confirms Arrest of Cuban National Misael Espinosa in Dixie County
Federal authorities have announced the arrest of Misael Espinosa, a Cuban national, in Dixie County, Florida, following his conviction for lewd and lascivious exhibition in the presence of a child. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) identified Espinosa as being present in the United States without legal authorization and classified him as a public safety threat due to his criminal record.
The arrest was made public on January 29, 2026, as part of a broader report on recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations. DHS officials highlighted Espinosa’s case alongside several other arrests of foreign nationals convicted of serious crimes, including sexual assault and robbery, across various states such as Texas, Pennsylvania, and Virginia.
Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin addressed the enforcement actions in a statement, emphasizing the agency’s mandate to prioritize the removal of individuals who have broken U.S. laws. “If you come to our country illegally, break our laws, we will find you, we will arrest you, and you will NEVER return,” McLaughlin said. The operations align with current administration directives aimed at intensifying the deportation of undocumented individuals with criminal histories.
While the DHS release confirmed the conviction for lewd and lascivious exhibition, specific details regarding the sentencing or the date of the original incident were not immediately provided in the announcement. Under Florida law, such offenses are considered severe crimes involving sexual misconduct.
Immigration advocacy groups frequently raise concerns regarding broad enforcement sweeps, arguing that they may impact community trust or lack sufficient due process in expedited proceedings. However, federal authorities maintain that targeting individuals with established criminal convictions is a necessary measure to ensure the safety of American communities. Espinosa remains in federal custody pending removal proceedings.
dhs.gov
