U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has arrested a Colombian citizen who was released from Northampton County Prison despite an immigration detainer request. The arrest took place on February 21, following the prison's decision to release the individual into the community rather than holding him for ICE.
Brian McShane, acting Field Office Director of ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations in Philadelphia, criticized the failure to honor immigration detainers. He stated, "Failing to honor immigration detainers jeopardizes public safety and wastes taxpayer funding by forcing ICE to divert significant resources to locate and arrest criminal aliens in unpredictable, high-risk public settings."
The individual entered the United States illegally in May 2022 near Rio Grande, Texas. After being processed by U.S. Border Patrol, he was released on his own recognizance. On February 16, he was arrested by Easton Police Department for simple assault and harassment.
Despite these charges and an immigration detainer lodged on February 18, Northampton County Prison allowed him to post bail on February 19 and released him on February 21. This incident follows another case where ICE had to arrest Luis Gualdron-Gualdron, a suspected gang member with a criminal history, after his release from the same prison.
McShane expressed concerns over local policies: "This is an unnecessary recipe for disaster." He noted that Northampton County executives require a judicial warrant not typically applicable under federal law for most aliens ICE seeks to arrest. McShane emphasized that this requirement places politics over public safety.
The public is encouraged to report crimes or suspicious activity via the ICE Tip Line at 866-DHS-2-ICE or through their online tip form.
Further information about ICE Philadelphia’s mission can be found on X at @EROPhiladelphia.
