The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has requested that Florida authorities not release Yusel Keoma Perez-Leyva, a Cuban citizen accused of drugging and raping a woman. Perez-Leyva, 42, was arrested on June 18, after a woman reported being drugged and sexually assaulted following a night out.
The alleged victim stated that Perez-Leyva, who was operating as an Uber driver, drugged her. She reportedly experienced soreness in her vaginal area the day after the alleged assault, leading her to believe she had been raped. Investigators reviewed surveillance video that reportedly showed Perez-Leyva carrying the woman, who appeared inebriated, into his apartment.
Perez-Leyva is charged with kidnapping and sexual battery while a victim was physically incapacitated, according to jail records. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has placed a detainer on him with the Miami-Dade Corrections and Rehabilitation Department, requesting that federal authorities be notified before his release.
Florida authorities and the state generally cooperate with ICE and honor detainers, in contrast to sanctuary jurisdictions in other states. According to DHS, Perez-Leyva entered the United States illegally through Arizona in 2021 and was released by the Biden administration. ICE Acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis stated that the agency has lodged a detainer against Perez-Leyva, and due to Florida's cooperation, he will be turned over to ICE custody and will not be released into communities.