Ed. Note: A Spanish version of this article appears at the bottom of the page. Please feel free to share with members of the community.
The petition effort is being spearheaded by writer Zack Ford of The Oxford American, who has reported extensively on immigration enforcement in the Florida Keys and recently published several articles documenting encounters between Border Patrol, ICE agents and local residents.
The petition targets Border Patrol agent Bruno Cabral, whom organizers accuse of aggressive tactics during enforcement actions in Key West and Stock Island.
Cabral, referred to in the petition by the nickname “The Big Bald One,” is accused by organizers of racial profiling, threatening witnesses and using excessive force during arrests. The petition references incidents that have circulated widely on social media and in local media coverage.
Among the allegations cited are claims that Cabral forcibly removed teenagers from bicycles, pinned individuals to the pavement during arrests and threatened witnesses observing enforcement actions.
Currently with 1,651 signatures, the petition is also drawing comments from those signing.
I’m moving my trip from Key West to elsewhere due to fear of having my kids witness this unlawful inhumane behavior — Michelle, Brooklyn
I’m a former Key West resident and property owner. KW is all about tolerance. This behavior cannot stand. — Cynthia
He kidnapped my son Lee illegally when my son his way to work in Key West !!! My son Lee should not have been taken nor deported I have the PROOF my son was detained and deported in error because ICE did not speak to the USCIS. They abused my son and broke every single human right and law!! — Elaine
This ICE Agent, Bruno, seems to be detached from reality. He is unnecessarily aggressive to other human beings in our island, with no accountability. I’ve seen him terrorize and act with brutality towards another. — David
Several of the incidents referenced in the petition were detailed in recent reporting by The Oxford American and local media outlets, including articles examining immigration enforcement practices in the Keys and videos of arrests that have circulated online.
Organizers say the petition will be presented to Monroe County State Attorney Dennis Ward, Monroe County Sheriff Rick Ramsay, Key West Mayor Danise Henriquez and members of the Key West City Commission.
Supporters of the effort say the petition is intended to demonstrate community concern and encourage local officials to examine the allegations.
The petition invites signatures from residents of Key West and Monroe County as well as supporters statewide and nationally.
The allegations contained in the petition have not been tested in court, and it is unclear whether any formal investigation into Cabral’s conduct has been opened.
Espanol
In Spanish:
Exigimos el arresto de Bruno Cabral, un agente de ICE particularmente agresivo que ha estado aterrorizando a la gente de Key West.
Bruno, conocido localmente como El Gran Calvo, ha estado discriminando racialmente a los ciudadanos de Key West, a menudo amenazándolos ilegalmente e incluso agrediéndolos.
Su régimen de terror inconstitucional ha sido ampliamente documentado en los medios. Se le ha visto arrojar a adolescentes de sus bicicletas y arrojándolos violentamente contra el pavimento; amenazar a testigos; y agredir, herir y encarcelar injustamente a ciudadanos estadounidenses: https://oxfordamerican.org/oa-now/the-cost-of-cruelty
And: https://keysweekly.com/42/immigration-anxiety-anger-surge-arrest-video-circulates-on-social-media/
Bruno lleva casi un año ejerciendo violencia en esta comunidad isleña, y lo ha hecho sin impunidad. Ha presenciado y colaborado en la tortura de residentes de Cayo Hueso: https://oxfordamerican.org/oa-now/deported-from-key-west
Y ha intimidado y agredido a testigos que ejercen su derecho constitucional a observar: https://oxfordamerican.org/oa-now/in-key-west-ice-has-merch
Pedimos a los residentes de Key West y del condado de Monroe que firmen, y también invitamos a cualquier persona en todo el estado e incluso en el país a firmar y compartir esta petición.
Creemos que si las autoridades arrestaran a Bruno Cabral ayudarían a reforzar la idea de que los agentes de ICE no están por encima de la ley y no tienen derecho a infringir las libertades civiles de las personas.
La erosión del debido proceso se detiene ahora.
Esta petición se presentará a Dennis Ward, fiscal estatal del condado de Monroe; Rick Ramsay, sheriff del condado de Monroe; Danise Henriquez, alcaldesa de Key West; y la Comisión de la Ciudad de Key West.
