ICE Captures Convicted Cuban Drug Trafficker in Minnesota Amidst “Operation Metro Surge”
Federal authorities have arrested Erasmo Diaz De La Luz, a Cuban national with a criminal record and a standing deportation order from 2011, as part of an intensified immigration enforcement campaign in the Twin Cities.
The Arrest
Officers from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) apprehended Diaz De La Luz during “Operation Metro Surge,” a large-scale federal enforcement initiative currently underway in Minneapolis and St. Paul. According to DHS statements released this week, Diaz De La Luz is classified as a “criminal illegal alien” who has been convicted of drug trafficking. The operation, which has deployed thousands of federal agents to the region, specifically targets individuals with serious criminal histories, including those with convictions for dangerous drugs.
Deep Search: Case History and Operational Context
Diaz De La Luz’s case highlights a specific profile of focus for federal agents: individuals with final removal orders who have remained in the country for extended periods. Records indicate his final order of removal dates back to 2011, meaning he has been present in the U.S. unlawfully for at least 15 years despite the order. His arrest is part of a broader sweep that DHS officials state has resulted in over 3,000 arrests in the region since late 2025. The agency has emphasized that the operation is necessary to locate individuals they describe as “the worst of the worst,” citing convictions for drug trafficking, domestic violence, and other violent crimes among the arrestees.
Background: The Cuba Repatriation Challenge
Removing Cuban nationals presents unique logistical and diplomatic hurdles. For decades, the Cuban government has historically refused to accept the repatriation of its citizens, particularly those with criminal records in the U.S. While limited deportation flights resumed in recent years, the diplomatic relationship remains strained. As of early 2026, the U.S. has exerted significant pressure on Havana—including threats of tariffs and visa restrictions—to accept more deportees. Diaz De La Luz’s removal will depend on the success of these high-level negotiations, as thousands of Cubans with similar final orders remain in legal limbo within the United States.
Objections and Local Conflict
The arrest comes amidst a fierce legal and political battle between federal authorities and Minnesota state officials. Local leaders and advocacy groups have strongly objected to “Operation Metro Surge,” arguing that the massive federal presence infringes on state sovereignty and violates local “sanctuary” policies designed to foster trust between immigrant communities and local police.
Critics of the operation, including the Minnesota Attorney General’s office, have filed legal challenges citing the 10th Amendment, contending that the federal surge commandeers local resources and creates a climate of fear that deters victims of crime from coming forward. Furthermore, human rights advocates point to the dire economic conditions in Cuba, arguing that deporting individuals—even those with criminal records—to a collapsing state raises serious humanitarian concerns. They also warn that the broad scope of the operation often sweeps up individuals with minor infractions or established community ties alongside those with serious convictions.
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