On June 12, 2025, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested Orlando Diaz-Cebada, an illegal immigrant wanted for allegedly killing a Mexican law enforcement officer, in New Haven, Connecticut. Diaz-Cebada, known as ‘El Leches,’ is a member of the Los Pochos gang, which is linked to the Sinaloa Cartel, according to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin praised the arrest, stating that the individual was ‘a heinous murderer’ who attempted to evade justice by hiding out in Connecticut. She emphasized that America is no longer a safe haven for violent criminals and urged any criminal illegal aliens to reconsider entering the country illegally.
Diaz-Cebada entered the United States illegally in May 2024 and was deported twice by U.S. Border Patrol. His second attempt to enter the country occurred just two days after his first deportation, but the circumstances of how he returned remain unclear, as he was not officially inspected or admitted into the country.
According to a document reviewed by Fox News Digital, Diaz-Cebada is wanted in Mexico for aggravated homicide. The arrest warrant was filed on April 23, 2024, a month before he came to the U.S. This highlights the growing concern over illegal immigration and the risks posed by criminal aliens who evade justice in other countries.
New Haven, where Diaz-Cebada was apprehended, is considered a sanctuary city. Mayor Justin Elicker, a Democrat, has previously defended the city’s policies of providing legal protections to undocumented individuals, stating that such policies are both the right and the practical approach for public safety. Despite his political stance, Elicker expressed support for ICE’s efforts in apprehending individuals accused of heinous crimes.
The arrest of Diaz-Cebada has sparked discussions about the balance between public safety and immigration policy. While some argue that sanctuary cities provide essential services to all residents, others believe that such policies enable dangerous criminals to hide from justice. The incident underscores the complexity of immigration enforcement and the challenges faced by federal authorities in combating criminal activities involving illegal aliens.
ICE’s statement emphasized the importance of holding individuals accountable for their crimes, regardless of their legal status. The agency’s operations have been controversial, with critics arguing that they disproportionately target immigrants, while supporters highlight the necessity of such actions in upholding the rule of law.
As the situation unfolds, the case of Orlando Diaz-Cebada serves as a focal point for the ongoing debate over immigration reform, public safety, and the role of sanctuary cities in the United States.