Context:

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested Orlando Diaz-Cebada, an alleged gang member wanted for the murder of a Mexican law enforcement officer, in New Haven, Connecticut, a sanctuary city. Known as 'El Leches,' Diaz-Cebada is reportedly affiliated with the Los Pochos gang, which collaborates with the Sinaloa Cartel. Despite being deported twice in 2024, he re-entered the United States under unclear circumstances and was wanted in Mexico for aggravated homicide. New Haven officials expressed support for federal efforts in apprehending such individuals, emphasizing the need to protect local communities from violent criminals. The arrest underscores ongoing tensions between federal immigration enforcement and sanctuary city policies, as well as the broader challenges faced by ICE amid political rhetoric and policy debates.

Dive Deeper:

• Orlando Diaz-Cebada, allegedly part of the Los Pochos gang linked to the Sinaloa Cartel, was arrested by ICE in New Haven, Connecticut, on June 12, 2025. He is wanted in Mexico for the aggravated homicide of a law enforcement officer.

• Diaz-Cebada, also known as 'El Leches,' entered the United States illegally in May 2024 and was deported twice by U.S. Border Patrol, but managed to re-enter the country under circumstances that remain unclear.

• Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin praised ICE's efforts in capturing Diaz-Cebada, stating that America is not a safe haven for violent criminals, and emphasized the risks ICE agents face in arresting such individuals.

• New Haven, a sanctuary city, had previously secured a legal victory against the Trump administration's attempt to withdraw federal funding for cities not complying with federal immigration enforcement. Mayor Justin Elicker highlighted the city's commitment to public safety and community trust.

• The case illustrates the ongoing conflict between federal immigration policies and sanctuary city practices, with New Haven officials supporting federal actions against violent criminals while maintaining their stance on local law enforcement priorities.

• Diaz-Cebada's arrest is part of a larger ICE operation that led to the detention of over 80 illegal migrants with criminal records, highlighting the agency's continued focus on removing dangerous individuals from the United States.

• The situation underscores the political and operational challenges faced by ICE and related agencies, as they navigate enforcement amid varying local policies and national debates on immigration and public safety.