U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has disclosed the apprehension of a recognized Colombian gang leader, wanted for homicide, aggravated theft, and arms trafficking in Colombia, who was illegally residing in the United States.
According to ICE, the fugitive is a confirmed leader of the Las Colinas criminal group operating out of Santa Marta, Colombia.
The 29-year-old was intercepted by Border Patrol in September 2023 after unlawfully crossing into the U.S. close to San Ysidro, California. He was issued a notice to appear before an immigration judge from the Department of Justice.
Subsequently, he was transferred to Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) in San Diego. In an unforeseen turn of events, he was granted an order of release on recognizance and let go, as per ICE reports.
SCATHING REPORT REVEALS BIDEN-HARRIS ADMIN HAS RELEASED DOZENS OF MIGRANTS ON TERROR WATCHLIST INTO US
ERO Baltimore arrests a Colombian gang leader wanted for homicide, arms trafficking, aggravated theft. (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement)
He was permitted to remain at large in the U.S. for almost a year until ERO Baltimore apprehended him in Maryland the previous week.
“This Colombian fugitive is being sought by his home country for alleged violent offenses,” remarked ERO Baltimore acting Deputy Field Office Director Vernon Liggins. “He tried to evade justice in Maryland, and we cannot let that occur. Our agents are the best at locating those who wish to remain hidden, and we will not allow our Maryland communities to serve as safe havens for dangerous individuals. ERO Baltimore will persist in prioritizing public safety by arresting serious noncitizen offenders.”
His capture occurs amid ongoing challenges regarding vetting at the southern border and systemic issues within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
AUTHORITIES NAB 8 SUSPECTED TERRORISTS WITH TIES TO ISIS IN MULTI-CITY STING OPERATION
A damning report from the House Judiciary Committee Republicans indicates the Biden-Harris administration has permitted dozens of migrants on terror watchlists to enter the U.S.
“Under the Biden-Harris Administration, among over 250 illegal immigrants on the terrorist watchlist encountered by Border Patrol at the southwest border from fiscal years 2021 to 2023, DHS has allowed at least 99 into American communities, with at least 34 remaining in DHS custody but not yet deported,” the report obtained by Fox News Digital stated.
“This does not account for the countless numbers of potential terrorists who bypassed Border Patrol and entered the United States among nearly 2 million ‘gotaways’ since the Biden-Harris Administration took office,” the report indicates.
ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT CHARGED IN 13-YEAR-OLD NYC GIRL’S RAPE PREVIOUSLY CAUGHT BY BORDER PATROL, RELEASED INTO US
Colombian fugitive wanted by authorities for numerous violent crimes in his home country is apprehended by ICE. (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement)
The report, which refers to data shared with committee staff in June, mentioned that Border Patrol had detected migrants on the terror watchlist from 36 different nations.
DHS has also identified over 400 individuals brought to the U.S. from Eastern Europe and Central Asia by an ISIS-linked smuggling network in recent months.
In June, federal authorities arrested eight Tajikistan nationals with connections to ISIS in New York City, Los Angeles, and Philadelphia. All eight had entered through the southern border illegally, but no adverse information was flagged during their processing, sources indicated to Fox News.
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“With growing concerns among national security experts and immigration officials regarding the terrorism threat from the border, it’s imperative that policymakers take all essential actions to secure the border and halt the influx of illegal immigrants. Sadly, the Biden-Harris Administration has overlooked the national security crisis generated by its extreme, open-borders policy,” stated the committee’s interim report.
Fox News’ Adam Shaw contributed to this report.
