Cristobal Pena/Mexico/Sale of Amphetamine

ICE New Orleans arrested Cristobal Pena, a citizen of Mexico and an illegal alien present in the United States, during targeted enforcement operations focused on apprehending criminal aliens with dangerous drug-related offenses and histories of immigration violations. Pena, thirty-six, was taken into custody after agents confirmed his presence in the country despite having been previously deported in January 2022.

Court records show Pena was convicted of the sale of amphetamine, a felony drug trafficking offense that often involves distributing significant quantities of controlled substances. The sale of amphetamines not only fuels addiction and crime in local communities but also contributes to broader networks of drug trafficking that pose significant threats to public safety. Law enforcement officials have long emphasized that methamphetamine distribution is closely linked to violent crime and exploitation, and Pena’s continued criminal activity and disregard for U.S. law underscore these concerns.

Following his prior removal from the United States in 2022, Pena unlawfully reentered the country—a federal crime that carries significant penalties, especially for individuals with criminal histories like his. His illegal return demonstrates a persistent refusal to comply with immigration laws and highlights ongoing challenges faced by federal authorities in preventing repeat entries of deported individuals.

During his recent arrest, ICE agents encountered Pena while investigating individuals with prior deportations and felony convictions. He is currently in ICE custody, pending removal proceedings before an immigration judge. Given the severity of his prior offenses and his illegal reentry, authorities are prioritizing his case for swift adjudication and removal to ensure public safety and to disrupt the drug trafficking activities with which he has been associated.