Daysan Varona-Benitez/Cuba/Alien Smuggling

Daysan Varona-Benitez, a Cuba national living in the country illegally, was taken into custody by ICE agents in Conroe, Texas, on charges of alien smuggling.

Unlawful reentry following a prior deportation is a federal felony — categorically more serious than the misdemeanor of initial illegal entry — and federal prosecutors treat such cases as significant enforcement priorities. The prior removal order typically serves as a key element of the prosecution. Varona-Benitez faces federal criminal sentencing on the reentry count alongside reinstatement of the original removal order, both moving forward simultaneously.

Varona-Benitez is currently in federal immigration custody awaiting a hearing before a Department of Justice immigration judge, which will determine whether removal to Cuba is ordered.