Miami Feds Charge 9 in Keys-to-County Immigration Sweep

New border crimes unit BICE leads cases ranging from illegal gun possession to unlawful reentry

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Federal prosecutors in Miami have charged nine people in a sweep of immigration-related cases handled by the newly created Border and Immigration Crimes Enforcement (BICE) unit. The charges include alleged unlawful reentry, illegal gun possession by an undocumented immigrant, and attempted illegal entry, with some defendants facing potentially lengthy sentences due to prior convictions.

Why it matters

The sweep highlights the federal government's increased focus on border-related crimes in South Florida, with the new BICE unit consolidating expertise to target a range of alleged offenses. The cases also underscore ongoing debates around immigration enforcement, sentencing for repeat offenders, and the role of federal agencies in maritime and land interdictions.

The details

The charges stem from several incidents across Miami-Dade and Monroe counties, with defendants accused of crimes ranging from unlawful reentry after prior deportations to a Honduran man charged with illegally possessing a firearm. Prosecutors say the potential sentences depend heavily on each defendant's criminal record, with some facing up to 20 years if prior aggravated convictions are proven.

  • On January 20, Lazaro Gaddiel Flores-Arita of Honduras was arrested in Monroe County.
  • In December 2025, Rafael Corona-Mendez was found and charged.
  • Medinel Joseph of Haiti was separately charged with attempted illegal entry after coming ashore in Miami-Dade County.

The players

Lazaro Gaddiel Flores-Arita

A 24-year-old Honduran man charged with illegally possessing a firearm and ammunition.

Medinel Joseph

A 28-year-old Haitian man charged with attempted illegal entry after coming ashore in Miami-Dade County.

Juan Carlos Rafael Avila

A defendant with a history of prior removals who could face up to 20 years in prison if prosecutors prove earlier aggravated convictions.

Sandro Boror-Rivera

A defendant with a history of prior removals who could face up to 20 years in prison if prosecutors prove earlier aggravated convictions.

Rafael Corona-Mendez

A defendant found in December 2025 who faces up to 10 years due to prior convictions.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Lazaro Gaddiel Flores-Arita out on bail.

The takeaway

The sweep by the new BICE unit underscores the federal government's intensified focus on border-related crimes in South Florida, raising questions about immigration enforcement, sentencing for repeat offenders, and the role of federal agencies in interdictions.