Miguel Mendoza-Zarate/Mexico/Burglary, Fraud, Marijuana Possession, Drug Possession

In July 2025, ICE New Orleans arrested Miguel Mendoza-Zarate, a citizen of Mexico who is illegally present in the United States. Mendoza-Zarate has a lengthy criminal history that includes convictions for burglary, fraud, possession of marijuana, possession of other controlled substances, and failure to appear in court.

Mendoza-Zarate was initially encountered by local authorities following a burglary incident in which he unlawfully entered a property with intent to commit a crime. He was later convicted of fraud in a separate case involving the use of false information for personal gain. In addition to his property-related offenses, Mendoza-Zarate has two drug-related convictions: one for marijuana possession and another for possession of an unidentified controlled substance. His repeated criminal activity also includes a failure to appear in court, indicating a disregard for the U.S. justice system and court obligations.

ICE officers took him into custody as part of targeted enforcement operations aimed at identifying and detaining criminal aliens with histories of serious offenses. Mendoza-Zarate is currently being held in ICE custody pending his removal proceedings. His criminal record reflects a pattern of illegal behavior across multiple jurisdictions, with repeated violations of both immigration and criminal laws.

ICE will continue to detain Mendoza-Zarate while his immigration case proceeds through the courts.