Colombian man fleeing homicide conviction in home country freed into U.S. after illegally entering Arizona in 2023
An illegal alien who was recently released into the U.S. despite a homicide conviction in his home country was apprehended by immigration authorities in Massachusetts last week.
On Monday, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced the arrest a 49-year-old Colombian citizen in Pittsfield, MA.
He is wanted in his home country for aggravated homicide, aggravated theft, and unlawful possession of a weapon — charges for which he was convicted in 2016.
“The Colombian national was arrested by authorities in Bucaramanga, Colombia, on April 5, 2014, and charged with aggravated homicide, aggravated theft and possession of a weapon,” ICE explained in a press release.
“The criminal court in Bucaramanga convicted and sentenced him to 17 years in prison Sept. 29, 2016.”
On November 27, 2023, the Colombian was caught after illegally entering the U.S. near San Luis, Arizona.
NEW: ICE says a Colombian aggravated murderer who was caught by Border Patrol in November near San Luis, AZ, was released into the U.S. on his own recognizance, despite a 2016 conviction for aggravated murder in Colombia and being wanted in his home country.
Boston based ICE… pic.twitter.com/VndevT3gY7
— Bill Melugin (@BillMelugin_) May 13, 2024
He was processed by Border Patrol and issued a notice to appear before a Department of Justice immigration judge in the future and freed into the U.S.
It is unclear why he was on the loose following his 2016 conviction in his home country.
The Colombian was arrested on May 6 near his residence in Pittsfield and remains in ICE custody pending removal proceedings.
“This Colombian national is wanted in his home country for some very serious crimes,” ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Boston Field Office Director Todd M. Lyons said in statement.
“He attempted to hide out in Massachusetts, and now he will have to answer for his actions.”
Authorities continue to catch dangerous foreign criminals illegally present in the U.S.
