Texas authorities have arrested an illegal immigrant and two others running an underground network of unlicensed abortion clinics, performing dismemberment abortions in flagrant violation of state law.
Key Takeaways
- Maria Rojas, known as “Dr. Maria,” was arrested for operating multiple illegal abortion clinics without a medical license, with bond set for serious charges including prohibited dismemberment abortions
- Jose Manuel Cendan Ley, a Cuban national who entered the US illegally in 2022, was arrested for performing unlawful abortions and practicing medicine without a license
- A third suspect, Rubildo Labanino Matos, faces conspiracy charges related to the illegal medical practice
- Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton obtained a temporary restraining order to shut down the network of clinics operating throughout Houston
- The case highlights Texas’ strict enforcement of pro-life laws that criminalize abortion providers rather than patients
Illegal Abortion Ring Dismantled in Houston
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced the arrests of three individuals accused of operating an underground network of illegal abortion clinics throughout Houston. Maria Margarita Rojas, who called herself “Dr. Maria,” Jose Manuel Cendan Ley, and Rubildo Labanino Matos now face serious criminal charges for allegedly performing prohibited dismemberment abortions and practicing medicine without proper licensing. The state has secured a temporary restraining order to shut down the Clinicas Latinoamericanas network associated with Rojas, which reportedly offered medical services without requiring insurance.
Authorities have revealed particularly disturbing details about the operation. Rojas faces charges for prohibited dismemberment abortion and practicing medicine without a license, with bond amounts set at $1 million and $10,000 respectively. The clinics reportedly employed unlicensed individuals who performed illegal abortion procedures under her direction. This case represents one of the most significant law enforcement actions against illegal abortion providers since Texas implemented its comprehensive pro-life legislation.
Illegal Immigration Connection
The case has taken on additional dimensions with the revelation that one suspect, Jose Manuel Cendan Ley, is a Cuban national who entered the United States illegally in 2022. Ley now faces charges for performing an unlawful abortion and practicing medicine without a license. This connection between illegal immigration and unlawful medical practice raises serious questions about border security and the potential public health risks posed by individuals operating outside established legal and medical frameworks. The underground abortion network appears to have specifically targeted vulnerable communities by offering services without requiring medical insurance.
“Individuals killing unborn babies by performing illegal abortions in Texas will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law, and I will not rest until justice is served,” Paxton said in a press release. “I will continue to fight to protect life and work to ensure that anyone guilty of violating our state’s pro-life laws is held accountable.” – Source
Texas Takes Strong Pro-Life Stance
This enforcement action reinforces Texas’ position as a leading pro-life state. The Attorney General’s office clarified that “Texas law holds abortion providers — not patients — criminally responsible for unlawful procedures,” highlighting the state’s focus on those who perform illegal abortions rather than the women who seek them. This approach aligns with Texas’ broader strategy of protecting unborn children while holding accountable those who violate the state’s abortion restrictions. The state has reported low abortion numbers in 2024, suggesting the effectiveness of its legislative approach.
“Texas law holds abortion providers — not patients — criminally responsible for unlawful procedures,” the release said.
This case follows earlier enforcement actions, including legal proceedings against Dr. Margaret Daley Carpenter for prescribing abortion pills to a Texas woman contrary to state law. That case resulted in significant fines and legal consequences, demonstrating the state’s commitment to enforcing its abortion restrictions comprehensively. The current arrests of Rojas, Ley, and Matos represent a continuation of Texas’ determined efforts to shut down underground abortion networks operating outside the boundaries of state law, protecting both the unborn and women from dangerous, unregulated procedures.
Sources:
- 3 Arrested In Texas For Running Illegal Back-Alley Abortion Ring
- Texas officials announce third arrest in illegal abortion case involving Houston-area woman
