Police say two Cuban nationals with criminal histories are behind bars after allegedly selling drugs and possessing stolen firearms.
Following their arrests, authorities determined that Cesar Valdes, 89, and Magdaleno Medina, 73, had been living in the United States illegally for more than 45 years.
The investigation began Aug. 19, when a Miami Police Department undercover officer allegedly purchased $60 worth of cocaine from Medina, according to court documents.
Magdaleno Medina, 73, is believed to have remained in the United States illegally for 46 years. He now faces multiple charges related to armed drug trafficking. (Miami-Dade Corrections)
After the alleged sale, officers returned to the trailer on Sept. 9 armed with a narcotics search warrant. Valdes was also at the property when police arrived.
Investigators reported finding dozens of clear bags containing cocaine and marijuana, along with ammunition, stolen guns and more than $4,800 in cash.
An Immigration and Customs Enforcement spokesman told News Media that the two men entered the country without inspection near Key West, Florida, on separate days in May 1980.
According to ICE, Medina has four prior felony convictions in the United States involving cocaine smuggling, drug possession and drug trafficking. An immigration judge issued him a final order of exclusion on July 24, 1996.
Before April 1997, immigration judges issued final orders of exclusion. The process was replaced by a new system of removal proceedings, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.
Records detailing Medina’s earlier arrests and convictions were not available. It also remains unclear whether he served any time behind bars.
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Cesar Valdes, 89, is believed to have lived in the United States illegally for 46 years and now faces numerous charges tied to armed drug trafficking. (Miami-Dade Corrections)
Valdes also has a history of charges in Miami-Dade County, including cocaine possession and probation violations during the 1980s and 1990s. It was not clear whether he served jail time.
An immigration judge issued Valdes a final order of exclusion on March 10, 1993.
Medina faces eight felony counts, including possession of cocaine with intent to sell, cocaine trafficking, and illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon. Valdes faces five comparable drug- and gun-related felony charges.
The two illegal immigrants are facing criminal charges in Miami. (GIORGIO VIERA/AFP via Getty Images)
Both men remain in a Miami jail under ICE detainers.
“Under President Trump and Secretary Mullin, if you break the law, you will face the consequences,” an ICE spokesman said in an email to News Media.
“Criminal illegal aliens are not welcome in the U.S. We will find you, we will arrest you, and we will deport you.”
Medina and Valdes have pleaded not guilty in Miami-Dade County. The lawyer representing both men declined to comment on the cases.