Juan Gabriel Sanchez-Coello/Ecuador/Cocaine Smuggling

Juan Gabriel Sanchez-Coello, a 43-year-old citizen of Ecuador and an illegal alien in the United States, was deported by ICE New Orleans following his conviction for cocaine smuggling. Sanchez-Coello was arrested by federal agents after investigators uncovered his role in a narcotics trafficking operation involving the transportation and distribution of large quantities of cocaine. He was criminally charged and convicted in federal court for possession with intent to distribute and smuggling cocaine into the United States. After serving his court-imposed sentence, Sanchez-Coello was transferred to ICE custody for removal proceedings.

He had no lawful status in the United States and had previously entered the country without inspection. Following the conclusion of his criminal case, an immigration judge ordered his removal. ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations carried out his deportation via a secure charter flight from the United States to Ecuador. Prior to removal, Sanchez-Coello was held at an ICE detention facility where he remained in custody throughout the duration of his immigration proceedings.

Sanchez-Coello’s removal follows his felony conviction related to drug trafficking and possession of narcotics for distribution. Under current U.S. immigration law, illegal aliens convicted of aggravated felonies, including large-scale drug offenses, are subject to mandatory removal from the United States. Sanchez-Coello is now banned from reentry and has been formally removed to Ecuador.