ICE, Texas partners arrest drug trafficker who evaded final order of removal for 26 years
The criminal illegal alien, who hails from Cuba, was also charged with kidnapping in May
WASHINGTON / September 2, 2026 — ICE and Texas’ San Saba County Sheriff’s Office arrested Emiliano Martinez Perez, a drug-trafficking criminal illegal alien from Cuba, on Aug. 5. The 54-year-old has been convicted of cocaine possession and drug trafficking and has had a final order of removal since Feb. 29, 2000.
“This criminal illegal alien was ordered removed from the U.S. more than 26 years ago. Since then, he was convicted of drug trafficking, and now he’s in jail facing charges for kidnapping, indecent assault, unlawful restraint and illegal tattooing,” said acting ICE Director David J. Venturella. “ICE has lodged an immigration detainer against him, which means when the criminal justice system is finished with him, we expect he’ll be turned over to our custody. This is exactly why the partnerships under the 287(g) program matter — they enable our law enforcement partners to help us keep dangerous criminal illegal aliens from being released back into American communities.”
Martinez Perez entered the U.S. sometime prior to 1998, when he was first convicted of cocaine possession. In 2007, a judge convicted him of drug trafficking. He also illegally reentered the U.S. in Texas in June 2018.
The San Saba County Sheriff’s Office notified ICE July 14, 2026, that Martinez Perez failed to appear for a scheduled hearing related to his current charges. ICE and the sheriff’s office worked together to arrest him Aug. 5, and he now awaits criminal proceedings in local custody. ICE has lodged an immigration detainer on this criminal alien and will take them back into custody.
Under President Trump, Secretary Mullin and Director Venturella, ICE enforces the Immigration and Nationality Act — including safe third-country removals when appropriate — to remove dangerous criminal illegal aliens from our country.
You can report crimes and suspicious activity by dialing 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or completing the online tip form.
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Source: U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE.gov)
