Mexican Businessman Rafael Zaga Tawil Detained by ICE in Florida
Apr 14, 2026·Location: Moore Haven, FL
Country of origin: Mexico

ICE detained Rafael Zaga Tawil, a Mexican businessman, at Glades County Detention Center in Florida on April 13, 2026. Mexican authorities are seeking him in connection with a $294 million housing fraud scheme involving the National Workers' Housing Fund Institute (Infonavit), along with allegations of organized crime and money laundering. The fraud involved contracts signed in 2014 with the private company Telra Realty that were terminated in 2017, after which the institute authorized an illegal indemnity payment of over 5 billion pesos. Mexican prosecutors may request his extradition for prosecution.
Sources
- ICE Detains Mexican Businessman Accused of $294 Million Housing Fraud Scheme
latintimes.com·Apr 14, 2026·archived copy
latinpost.com·Apr 14, 2026·archived copy
- ICE detiene a empresario Rafael Zaga Tawil por fraude en México
nnueva.com·Apr 14, 2026·archived copy
- ICE captura a Rafael Zaga Tawil, buscado en México por presunto fraude al Infonavit
excelsior.com.mx·Apr 13, 2026·archived copy
- El ICE detiene en Florida a Rafael Zaga Tawil, acusado en México de un fraude millonario al Infonavit
elpais.com·Apr 13, 2026·archived copy
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