U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has deported Gerardo Nava-Benitez, a 30-year-old Mexican national and member of the Noroeste cartel. The removal took place on June 10, with ICE officials transferring Nava-Benitez from the Florence Detention Center to the Dennis DeConcini Port of Entry in Nogales, where he was handed over to Mexican authorities.
John Cantu, Director of ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations in Phoenix, commented on the operation: “The removal of Nava-Benitez demonstrates the collaborative, whole-of-government approach that ICE supports in protecting the citizens of the U.S.” He added that dedicated officers and law enforcement partners have worked diligently to ensure individuals like Nava-Benitez are brought to justice and subsequently removed from the United States.
Nava-Benitez had been expelled to Mexico four times previously in October and November 2022. He illegally reentered the U.S. in November 2022 and was later encountered by ICE at the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office on March 13, 2024, following an arrest for criminal activity. An immigration judge ordered his removal in April 2025 after immigration proceedings.
ICE encourages members of the public who have information about foreign fugitives or other criminal aliens residing illegally in the U.S. to contact them via their tip line or online form.
For further updates on ICE's activities in Arizona, follow their social media account @ERO__Phoenix.
