Honduran National Arrested After Howard County Ignored ICE Detainer
A 20-year-old Honduran national, Alex Yonatan Flores-Arce, was apprehended by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on May 22, following a criminal conviction in Maryland. Flores-Arce, who had entered the U.S. illegally, was initially encountered by U.S. Border Patrol in El Paso, Texas, in March 2019, and subsequently served a notice to appear.
ICE criticized Howard County for not honoring a detainer request submitted on January 13, asking local authorities to hold Flores-Arce for up to 48 hours. Instead, the county released him on May 5, even after he was found guilty of rape in April, leading to a 15-year prison sentence and five years of probation.
Flores-Arce’s release occurred despite his criminal history, prompting ICE to express concern over public safety. "The decision by Howard County Detention Center undermines public safety and puts Maryland communities at risk," stated ICE Baltimore acting Field Office Director Nikita Baker.
Howard County, designated as a sanctuary jurisdiction, has previously faced criticism for ignoring ICE detainers. Baker emphasized the importance of collaboration with local law enforcement to uphold public safety and immigration laws. Flores-Arce remains in ICE custody pending a final administrative removal order.
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