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Two Cuban citizens were arrested in the United States for their alleged involvement in a sophisticated vehicle theft ring that operated nationwide and reportedly generated millions of dollars in illegal profits, according to a report on Thursday by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Texas.
The detainees have been identified as Sadiel Noa-Aguila, 42 years old, resident of Pharr, Texas, and Miguel Báez-Echevarría, 36, residing in Las Vegas, Nevada. Both face federal charges for the illegal exportation of stolen vehicles, while Báez has also been charged with conspiracy to commit money laundering, a crime that could carry up to 20 years in prison if convicted.
The investigation, which began in 2024 and was led by the Department of Justice under the operation "Let's Reclaim America," revealed a criminal scheme that extended across several cities in the U.S., including Las Vegas, Phoenix, Salt Lake City, Denver, Fort Lauderdale, Houston, and Dallas-Fort Worth.
According to the criminal complaint, the members of the network used electronic devices to breach the security systems of vehicles and reprogram their key fobs, which allowed them to steal high-end cars quickly.
Then, they would place false plates or alter the vehicle identification numbers (VIN) before reselling them or sending them to Mexico through the border ports of Hidalgo and El Paso, in Texas.
One of the most revealing cases is that of Noa-Aguila, who allegedly tried to export a 2022 GMC Sierra AT4 to Mexico, stolen in Denver just a month prior.
Judicial documents indicate that Báez would be linked to the theft of at least 15 additional vehicles, raising the estimated value of the fraud to several million dollars.
The case is part of a broader offensive by the Department of Justice against transnational criminal networks. The so-called Operation “Recover America” combines efforts from multiple agencies such as ICE, the FBI, the Texas Department of Public Safety, and various local forces to curb crimes such as vehicle trafficking, arms smuggling, drug trafficking, and human trafficking.
Both defendants will appear separately before federal courts in McAllen (Texas) and Las Vegas (Nevada). Authorities have emphasized that this is a formal indictment and not a conviction, meaning the individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
This case adds to a growing concern among migrant communities about how high-profile crimes can influence public perception and immigration policies. While these are individual incidents, the use of the term "illegal immigration invasion" in documents from the Department of Justice raises alarms among civil rights advocates and immigration policy experts.
Frequently Asked Questions About Car Theft in the U.S. Involving Cuban Citizens
Who are the Cubans arrested for car theft in the U.S.?
Sadiel Noa-Aguila and Miguel Báez-Echevarría are the Cuban citizens arrested for their alleged involvement in a vehicle theft ring in the United States. Noa-Aguila resides in Pharr, Texas, and Báez-Echevarría in Las Vegas, Nevada.
What charges are the detainees facing for the car theft?
The charges include illegal export of stolen vehicles and conspiracy to commit money laundering. These offenses could result in severe penalties, particularly money laundering, which could carry a sentence of up to 20 years in prison.
How did the car theft network involving the Cubans operate?
The network used electronic devices to breach the security systems of vehicles and reprogram key fobs, allowing them to quickly steal high-end cars. The vehicles were then resold or exported to Mexico with forged documentation.
What impact do these types of crimes have on public perception and immigration policy?
This case raises concerns in migrant communities, as high-profile crimes can negatively influence public perception and immigration policies. Although these are individual acts, the term "illegal immigration invasion" used in official documents raises alarms among civil rights advocates.
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