Jose Luis Marquez-Lazarte/Cuba/Conspiracy to Harbor Illegal Aliens

ICE New Orleans arrested Jose Luis Marquez-Lazarte, a citizen of Cuba and an illegal alien in the United States, during targeted enforcement operations aimed at identifying individuals involved in crimes related to immigration violations. Marquez-Lazarte, 42, was apprehended in Louisiana after ICE officers determined he posed a significant threat due to his involvement in criminal schemes designed to undermine U.S. immigration laws.

Marquez-Lazarte’s criminal history includes a conviction for conspiracy to harbor illegal aliens, a federal offense reflecting deliberate efforts to conceal and protect individuals unlawfully present in the United States. Court documents revealed that he knowingly participated in transporting and housing illegal aliens to help them evade detection by authorities. His conduct facilitated the illegal movement of individuals across state lines, contributing to networks that exploit vulnerabilities in immigration systems.

As part of his sentence for conspiracy to harbor illegal aliens, Marquez-Lazarte was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison. During legal proceedings, evidence presented demonstrated that he profited from his activities, collecting payments in exchange for arranging housing and transportation for people without legal status. Federal prosecutors emphasized that such operations create a dangerous environment where migrants may be subjected to exploitation, unsafe living conditions, and further criminal activity.

Following his release from federal custody, Marquez-Lazarte was transferred directly into ICE detention. He remains in ICE custody while his immigration case proceeds before an immigration judge. Due to the nature of his offenses and his unlawful presence in the United States, ICE has prioritized Marquez-Lazarte for removal proceedings.