U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), with help from the Security Alliance for Fugitive Enforcement Task Force, deported William Alexander Diaz Reyes, a 32-year-old fugitive, from the United States on February 14. Diaz is sought in El Salvador due to his involvement with the 18th Street transnational gang.
Diaz was transported from Alexandria, Louisiana, via a charter flight organized by ICE's Air Operations Unit to the El Salvador International Airport Saint Óscar Arnulfo Romero y Galdámez in San Salvador. Upon arrival, he was handed over to Salvadoran authorities.
Bret Bradford, Director of ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations in Houston, stated: “For far too long, dangerous foreign fugitives, transnational gang members and other violent criminal aliens have illegally entered this country through our southern border with impunity putting the lives of law-abiding residents in jeopardy.” He added that "those days are over" as South Texas law enforcement is now more unified in enforcing laws and protecting communities.
Diaz entered the U.S. illegally at least twice in 2021 and was expelled under Title 42 on May 15 and June 18 of that year. He re-entered for a third time at an unknown date and location before being apprehended by ICE on April 19, 2024. An immigration judge ordered his removal on September 19, 2024, a decision upheld by the Board of Immigration Appeals on January 13.
The public is encouraged to report information about foreign fugitives by contacting ICE at their tip line or filing tips online.
For updates on how ICE enforces immigration laws in Southeast Texas, follow them on X at @EROHouston.
