A Las Vegas man, Rafael Juan Mitjans, appeared in court on Thursday before United States Magistrate Judge Brenda N. Weksler. He faces allegations of forcing three Cuban victims into domestic servitude by confiscating their passports and providing false statements on immigration documents.
Court documents and statements reveal that from September 20, 2023, to July 31, 2024, Mitjans allegedly took the victims' passports and other identification documents to restrict their movement and maintain control over their labor. Between June 18, 2023, and September 17, 2023, he is accused of falsely claiming to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services that he would provide for the victims' basic living needs.
On March 12, 2025, a federal grand jury indicted Mitjans on multiple charges: three counts of forced labor, three counts related to unlawful conduct with documents for trafficking purposes, and three counts of making false statements on immigration forms. His trial is set for May 19, 2025, before United States District Judge Richard F. Boulware II.
If found guilty, Mitjans could face up to a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison. The final sentence will be determined by a federal district court judge based on U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.
The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney Sue Fahami for the District of Nevada alongside HSI Las Vegas acting Special Agent in Charge Lester R. Hayes Jr.
The investigation involved HSI and the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department with support from several agencies including the Clark County School District Police Department and the U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Inspector General. Assistant United States Attorney Steven Rose is handling prosecution duties.
Individuals can report criminal violations related to forced labor through Homeland Security Investigations at their tip line or online form.
It is important to note that an indictment is merely an accusation; defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.