The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has located Nelson José Martínez Ramírez, an undocumented Cuban national with a criminal record, at the Federal Correctional Institution in Miami. This development was announced by the ERO Miami office on Saturday via their official account on X.
Martínez Ramírez was convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, a serious federal offense under U.S. law. As of the latest reports, he remains in ICE custody while deportation procedures are underway.
This case is part of a broader series of similar arrests carried out by ERO Miami in recent weeks. Earlier in October, the agency apprehended Reynaldo Chamizo-Zayas, another Cuban national with convictions for methamphetamine trafficking and assault, and re-arrested Jean Marcell Pérez García, who, despite a court-ordered release, has a record of cocaine sales and fraud. The Department of Homeland Security also named Ángel Ramírez-Castillo, convicted of attempted murder, among those deemed as "the worst of the worst."
The fate of Martínez Ramírez remains uncertain. Although the Cuban regime agreed in February 2026 to accept deportation flights including individuals convicted of serious crimes — such as drug traffickers, murderers, and kidnappers — Havana reviews each case through the MININT and does not automatically accept all deportees with criminal records.
Given the severity of his narcotics-related conviction, there is a significant possibility that the Cuban government might refuse his repatriation. Should this occur, the United States may turn to third countries. Mexico has been the most common destination, receiving approximately 4,353 Cubans, most with criminal records, between January 2025 and March 2026, according to a Human Rights Watch report. African nations like South Sudan, Eswatini, Equatorial Guinea, Liberia, and the Central African Republic have also been utilized for Cubans that Cuba declined to accept.
The case of Martínez Ramírez is part of a sustained effort by the Trump administration to remove Cuban nationals with criminal backgrounds serving time in federal and state prisons. According to a PolitiFact verification published in early October, Trump has deported nearly 12,000 Cubans across his two presidential terms, with about 8,500 of these since January 2025. More than 42,000 Cubans had final deportation orders pending in the U.S., with over 4,000 in Florida alone receiving such orders between October 2025 and June 2026.
Understanding ICE's Deportation Process for Cuban Nationals
What led to Nelson José Martínez Ramírez's detention by ICE?
Nelson José Martínez Ramírez was detained by ICE due to his undocumented status and a serious federal conviction for methamphetamine trafficking.
What are the potential outcomes for Martínez Ramírez's deportation?
If Cuba refuses to accept his return, the U.S. may deport him to a third country, with Mexico being a common destination. Other options include certain African countries.
How has the Trump administration addressed the deportation of Cubans?
The Trump administration has actively worked to deport Cuban nationals with criminal records, deporting nearly 12,000 across his terms, with a significant number in recent years.