ICE Targets Illegal Migrant Lyft Driver for Sex Assault in 'Operation Lyft Off'

Authorities lodged an arrest detainer for Yordan Basilio Diaz Vera, a Cuban national charged with sexually assaulting a Lyft passenger in Kentucky.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) lodged an arrest detainer for Yordan Basilio Diaz Vera, a Cuban national in the U.S. illegally who was charged in Kentucky for sexually assaulting a female Lyft passenger. Diaz Vera allegedly picked up the victim, drove her to a secluded area, pulled a gun on her, and then assaulted her. DHS is warning Louisville authorities not to release Diaz Vera unless they are alerted first so he can be taken into custody by federal officials.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing concerns about the safety of ride-sharing services and the potential risks posed by undocumented immigrants working as drivers. It also raises questions about immigration enforcement and the release of criminal aliens into local communities under the Biden administration.

The details

Diaz Vera, a Cuban national in the U.S. illegally, was arrested and charged with sodomy, menacing, and kidnapping for allegedly sexually assaulting a female Lyft passenger in Louisville, Kentucky. The victim said Diaz Vera picked her up, drove her to a secluded area, pulled a gun on her, and then assaulted her. ICE has lodged an arrest detainer for Diaz Vera, requesting that local authorities notify them before releasing him so he can be taken into federal custody.

  • Diaz Vera illegally entered the U.S. in November 2022 under the Biden administration and was released into the country.
  • Diaz Vera was arrested and charged with the sexual assault in Louisville, Kentucky.

The players

Yordan Basilio Diaz Vera

A Cuban national in the U.S. illegally who was charged with sexually assaulting a female Lyft passenger in Kentucky.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

The federal agency that has lodged an arrest detainer for Diaz Vera, requesting that local authorities notify them before releasing him so he can be taken into federal custody.

U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

The federal agency that has announced ICE's actions against Diaz Vera and is warning Louisville authorities not to release him.

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What they’re saying

“Yordan Basilio Diaz Vera was released into our communities under the Biden administration before he went on to to brutally sodomize a mother of four at gunpoint in Louisville. This criminal illegal alien is a monster who has no right to be in our country and this crime was entirely preventable.”

— Lauren Bis, Deputy Assistant Secretary (DHS press release)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on whether or not to allow Yordan Basilio Diaz Vera out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights ongoing concerns about the safety of ride-sharing services and the potential risks posed by undocumented immigrants working as drivers, as well as questions about immigration enforcement and the release of criminal aliens into local communities.