The United States Department of Homeland Security announced on July 20 that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement deported David Vargas-Rivera, a Mexican national with an international warrant for murder in Mexico.
According to the department, Vargas-Rivera is identified as a high-level oil thief and hitman affiliated with the Santa Rosa de Lima Cartel, which is described as a Mexico-based foreign terrorist organization. His criminal history includes prior arrests for multiple homicides in Mexico, an arrest in Canada for assault on a peace officer and uttering threats, as well as an arrest in Colombia. Authorities said he has also been accused of laundering more than $4.6 million through real estate transactions in 2025.
ICE Dallas arrested Vargas-Rivera in Frisco, Texas, on January 12, 2026. He was deported by ICE on July 14 and handed over to Mexican authorities.
Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis said, “This criminal illegal alien is wanted for murder in Mexico, has been accused of laundering more than $4.6 million, and has been identified as a hitman affiliated with the Santa Rosa de Lima Cartel, a foreign terrorist organization.” Bis continued: “Thanks to the hard work of the men and women of ICE and our law enforcement partners, he has been removed from our country and will face justice for his crimes back in Mexico. Under President Trump and Secretary Mullin, we are putting the safety of the American people first.”