Two Cuban immigrants, Cesar Valdes, aged 89, and Magdaleno Medina, aged 73, are in custody following accusations of drug trafficking and possession of stolen firearms. Both have been in the U.S. illegally for over 45 years.
Background and Arrest
The Miami Police Department arrested the two after Medina allegedly sold $60 worth of cocaine to an undercover officer on August 19. A subsequent search on September 9 led officers to discover numerous drugs, ammunition, and stolen guns at their residence.
Immigration and Legal History
“Under President Trump and Secretary Mullin, if you break the law, you will face the consequences,” said an ICE spokesperson.
Valdes and Medina entered the country illegally near Key West in May 1980. Medina has accumulated four felony convictions related to drug offenses. Valdes has prior charges for cocaine possession and probation violations from the 1980s and 1990s.
Legal Proceedings
Medina faces eight felony charges, including cocaine trafficking and illegal firearm possession. Valdes is charged with five similar offenses. An immigration judge issued final orders of exclusion for both men in the 1990s.
Both men have pleaded not guilty, and their attorney has chosen not to comment further. They are currently being held in Miami jail with ICE detainers in place, awaiting further legal actions.