ERO Philadelphia removes convicted drug trafficker to Mexico

PHILADELPHIA — Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations Philadelphia removed Ismael Laredo Don Juan, a citizen of Mexico with a final order of removal, to Mexico on Jan. 14. Laredo is a foreign fugitive wanted by law enforcement authorities in Mexico to serve his sentence for drug trafficking, organized crime, and money laundering. Laredo is reputed to be one of the leaders of the Laredo drug trafficking organization which imported heroin from Mexico into the United States.

“Today's successful removal operation underscores our steadfast commitment to public safety and the security of our nation. The removal of Ismael Laredo Don Juan, a significant figure in drug trafficking and organized crime, highlights our dedication to ensuring that those who pose a threat to our communities are held accountable and removed from the U.S.,” said ERO Philadelphia acting Field Office Director Brian McShane. “The professionals of ERO Philadelphia continue to prioritize the safety and security of the American people, and this case represents our steadfast resolve in upholding those principles."

Laredo entered the U.S. on Jan. 7, 2002, near Los Ebanos, Texas without inspection or parole by an immigration official. That same day, the U.S. Border Patrol arrested him near Hidalgo, Texas and voluntarily returned him to Mexico.

The U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania indicted Laredo for distribution of heroin and issued an arrest warrant on May 6, 2015.

A court in Mexico convicted Laredo on May 12, 2016, of drug trafficking, organized crime, and money laundering and sentenced him to 10 years incarceration.

The U.S. Marshals Service extradited Laredo from Mexico to the U.S. at the Dulles International Airport on Jan. 4, 2020. U.S. Customs and Border Protection paroled Laredo the same day into the U.S. for criminal prosecution. Laredo was convicted June 7, 2021, of distribution of one kilogram or more of heroin, possession with intent to distribute heroin, conspiracy, and aiding and abetting and sentenced to 152 months incarceration.

ERO Philadelphia encountered Laredo at the Allenwood Low Security Correctional Institution in Pennsylvania on July 14, 2021, and lodged an immigration detainer with the facility. Laredo was served with a notice and order of expedited removal on August 3, 2021.

Authorities in Mexico issued an arrest warrant for Laredo on December 16, 2022, to serve the remainder of his 10-year sentence for drug trafficking, organized crime, and money laundering in Mexico.

An immigration judge in Elizabeth, New Jersey ordered Laredo removed from the U.S. to Mexico on Dec. 30, 2024, and he remained in ICE custody pending removal.