Orlando Martinez Mendoza/Cuba/Sale of Cocaine, Identity Theft, Larceny

ICE New Orleans arrested Orlando Martinez Mendoza, a citizen and national of Cuba, on July 11, 2025, following his identification as a removable noncitizen due to multiple criminal convictions in the United States. According to ICE records, Martinez Mendoza has been convicted of the sale of cocaine, an offense involving the unlawful distribution or transfer of a controlled substance classified under federal and state law. Cocaine trafficking offenses are aggressively prosecuted due to their significant impact on public health, community safety, and ties to organized criminal enterprises. Convictions for drug trafficking are classified as aggravated felonies under U.S. immigration law and typically result in mandatory detention and removal proceedings.

In addition to drug-related crimes, Martinez Mendoza has been convicted of identity theft, an offense involving the unauthorized use of another individual’s personal identifying information, such as Social Security numbers, financial accounts, or other sensitive data, usually for financial gain. Identity theft is considered a crime of moral turpitude and carries substantial legal and immigration consequences, including potential bars to relief from removal.

Martinez Mendoza’s criminal history also includes larceny, indicating involvement in the unlawful taking of property with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of its possession. Larceny, depending on the value and circumstances, is viewed as a significant property crime under criminal law and can further impact a noncitizen’s removability from the United States.

ICE has not released additional details regarding the specific circumstances of Martinez Mendoza’s offenses, the locations where they occurred, or any additional criminal history beyond those listed. As of the latest report, Martinez Mendoza remains in ICE custody pending further immigration proceedings to determine his future status in the United States.