Background
In 2014, a Honduran national entered the United States as an unaccompanied child and was placed under the custody of his father. Since then, he has been involved in a series of criminal offenses, including assault, resisting arrest, and murder. Despite being convicted and sentenced to prison, his release was allowed due to “sanctuary” policies that disregard ICE detainers.
ICE Detainer Ignored
The Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency had lodged an immigration detainer to be notified of the individual’s release in order to transfer him into their custody and initiate deportation proceedings. However, the county detention center in Maryland’s Prince George’s County released him without notifying ICE, in accordance with their sanctuary policy.
ICE’s Frustration
ICE has consistently expressed its frustration with jurisdictions that implement sanctuary policies, which hinder their efforts to remove criminal illegal immigrants from the streets. The agency believes that violent noncitizen criminals like this Honduran national pose a severe threat to public safety and should be removed from the country.
Arrest and Custody
After nearly five years, ICE was finally able to arrest the individual outside his residence in Hyattsville. He is currently in ICE custody pending his removal from the country.
ICE Pursues Justice
ERO Baltimore acting Field Office Director Darius Reeves emphasized the importance of honoring ICE detainers to protect the communities in Maryland. He expressed his commitment to the pursuit of justice and the removal of violent noncitizen criminals like the Honduran national.
“It is a shame when local law enforcement agencies refuse to honor ICE detainers. ERO Baltimore will not relent in our pursuit of justice for the people of our Maryland communities,” said Reeves.