By Belize Live News Staff: A Belizean national is being held in U.S. custody after ICE Houston announced his arrest in connection with alleged cartel affiliation.
Benigno Loria was apprehended last week and remains detained pending deportation. ICE stated that he was arrested based on a 2024 final removal order, an outstanding arrest warrant, and alleged gang ties.
U.S. officials identified Loria as a member of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, one of Mexico’s most notorious criminal organizations.
The announcement comes shortly after reports that the cartel’s leader, “El Mencho,” was killed by Mexican security forces.
Loria previously came to public attention in Belize following a 2023 shooting incident in Corozal in which he was reportedly the target.
Further updates are expected as deportation proceedings continue.
