U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested Juan Antonio Reyes, a 51-year-old Salvadorian national, in Baton Rouge on February 17. The arrest followed an alert indicating that Reyes attempted to purchase a firearm.
Reyes entered the United States illegally at an unspecified location and time. An immigration judge had granted him voluntary departure on November 22, 1993, but he did not leave the country as ordered.
He was previously arrested by immigration officers in Baton Rouge on April 21, 1997, and subsequently removed from the U.S. on April 24 of the same year. On May 16, 2000, Reyes was detained by West Baton Rouge sheriff’s deputies for filing a false public record and forgery. The U.S. Border Patrol later apprehended him at the West Baton Rouge Detention Center on August 4, 2000, serving him with a warrant of removal and notice to reinstate his prior order of removal. He was deported again on September 5, 2000.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives denied Reyes' attempt to purchase a firearm on January 23, 2024, prompting ICE's involvement.
Members of the public are encouraged to report crimes or suspicious activities by calling 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or completing an online tip form.
For more information about ICE New Orleans’ efforts to enhance public safety, visit their profile on X at @ERONewOrleans.
