Cuban Immigrants with Criminal Records Arrested for Drug and Weapons Charges

Two Cuban immigrants with criminal records are detained after being accused of drug dealing and having stolen firearms. These men, Cesar Valdes, 89, and Magdaleno Medina, 73, have reportedly been in the United States illegally for over 45 years.

Their legal troubles began when an undercover officer from the Miami Police Department purchased $60 worth of cocaine from Medina on August 19. This led to their arrest, revealing their undocumented status.

Findings from the Police Search

On September 9, police executed a narcotics search warrant at the location where Medina made the sale. Officers found Valdes present with large quantities of drugs, including numerous bags of cocaine and marijuana. They also discovered stolen firearms and over $4,800 in cash.

Both men reportedly entered the U.S. without inspection near Key West, Florida, in May 1980. Medina holds four prior felony convictions related to cocaine smuggling and drug trafficking. Despite these convictions, it is uncertain if he has served any jail time.

Previous Legal Actions and Charges

Medina received a final order of exclusion on July 24, 1996, following his criminal activities. This order was part of the legal system in place before new removal proceedings began in 1997.

Similarly, Valdes has faced several charges in Miami-Dade County for cocaine possession and probation violations in previous decades. A final order of exclusion was also issued against him on March 10, 1993.

Current Legal Proceedings

Medina now faces eight felony charges, including possession and trafficking of cocaine, as well as illegal firearm possession. His counterpart, Valdes, is charged with similar drug and firearm-related felonies.

Both men are currently held in a Miami jail with ICE detainers. They have pleaded not guilty to the charges and await further legal proceedings. Their attorney declined to comment on the cases.

An ICE spokesperson emphasized that under current law enforcement policies, criminal illegal aliens will face arrest and deportation. Medina and Valdes exemplify the ongoing efforts to address such crimes.