Hector Reyes of the Bronx, held Erica Cruz by knifepoint for more than four hours Sunday to protest Cubans who he told officers oppress other Hispanics. Officials said Reyes told them he had been trying to fly from New York to the Dominican Republic, but customs officers wouldn’t let him leave the United States.

Cruz, a housekeeper at the Miami Sun hotel entered Reyes room after he had told her there was a problem with his bathroom. An officer tried to get Reyes to release his hostage, but Reyes told the officer that he wasn’t willing to speak to a Cuban. He also told negotiators that he wanted media attention. After trying to negotiate with Reyes, police broke into his room and took him into custody. He is being held without bail and is charged with false imprisonment, aggravated assault and battery.