Two Cuban immigrants, Cesar Valdes, 89, and Magdaleno Medina, 73, are in custody following accusations of drug trafficking and possession of stolen firearms. Both have lived in the United States illegally for over 45 years.
Miami police say an undercover officer purchased $60 worth of cocaine from Medina on August 19. Soon after, authorities executed a search warrant at a local trailer on September 9. During the search, they discovered numerous bags of cocaine, marijuana, ammunition, stolen weapons, and over $4,800 in cash.
An ICE spokesperson confirmed that Valdes and Medina entered the U.S. without inspection near Key West, Florida, in May 1980. Medina has a criminal history, including felony convictions related to cocaine smuggling and drug trafficking. A final order of exclusion was issued against him in July 1996, but details about his incarceration remain unclear.
Valdes also has a history of cocaine-related charges and a probation violation, with a final exclusion order issued in March 1993. It is also unclear if he served jail time. Both men now face multiple felony charges, including drug trafficking and firearm possession, while being held in a Miami jail with ICE detainers.
An ICE representative stated, “Under President Trump and Secretary Mullin, if you break the law, you will face the consequences. Criminal illegal aliens are not welcome in the U.S. We will find you, we will arrest you, and we will deport you.” The two men have pleaded not guilty, and their attorney has declined to comment.