MIAMI, FL — A Cuban national with a decades-long criminal history and a standing deportation order is back in federal custody after his latest arrest in Miami on drug and firearm charges. Eledoro Valenzuela Rodriguez was taken into ICE custody March 24 from the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center, where he remains held on multiple pending offenses.
Valenzuela Rodriguez faces current charges that include cocaine possession with intent to sell, possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon, and trespassing, according to ICE Miami. His arrest marks the latest development in a case that spans multiple states and decades of alleged criminal activity.
Long Record Culminates in Latest Arrest
Federal officials say Valenzuela Rodriguez has accumulated numerous prior arrests and convictions, including offenses involving controlled substances, weapons possession, and alcohol-related violations. His criminal history includes charges tied to cocaine distribution, marijuana possession, and illegal firearm possession.
Despite a final order of removal dating back to 1980, authorities say he remained in the United States for decades. ICE officials attribute that to prior releases from custody following arrests in other jurisdictions, including New York and Maryland.
Federal Custody Follows Miami Charges
The most recent charges in Miami prompted ICE to take custody of Valenzuela Rodriguez after his detention at the Miami-Dade jail. Officials say the case reflects coordination between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities in Florida.
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Key Points
• Eledoro Valenzuela Rodriguez taken into ICE custody March 24 in Miami
• Faces charges including cocaine trafficking, firearm possession, and trespassing
• Has prior removal order and decades-long criminal record across multiple states
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Immigration Status and Enforcement Action
ICE confirms Valenzuela Rodriguez has a final order of removal, meaning immigration courts have already ruled he can be deported. With new criminal charges pending, his case will move through both the criminal justice system and immigration enforcement channels.
Officials say individuals with prior removal orders and repeated arrests are prioritized for enforcement due to public safety concerns.
Current Status
Valenzuela Rodriguez remains in custody following his transfer from Miami-Dade corrections, with both his criminal case and immigration proceedings ongoing. Authorities have not announced a timeline for resolution or potential removal.