U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has taken Amilcar Josue Villalvir Mendez, a Honduran citizen, into custody outside Northampton County Prison in Easton on February 27. This arrest followed the prison's decision not to honor an immigration detainer, raising concerns about public safety.
Brian McShane, acting Field Office Director for ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations in Philadelphia, emphasized the importance of cooperation between local and federal law enforcement. "The arrest of Amilcar Josue Villalvir Mendez highlights the crucial importance of local and federal law enforcement cooperation in ensuring public safety. Northampton County choosing to place politics over safety instead of honoring our detainer put everyone involved at unnecessary risk," McShane stated. He urged jurisdictions to prioritize resident safety by honoring immigration detainers.
Villalvir has a criminal history including convictions for aggravated assault, theft by unlawful taking, possession of marijuana, speeding over 25 MPH above the limit, and retail theft. His criminal activities began with an arrest by Palmer Township Police Department on September 27, 2021, for charges related to domestic disturbance incidents.
In March 2002, Villalvir pled guilty to aggravated assault in Northampton County Court of Common Pleas and received a sentence ranging from six to 23 months confinement. Following a violation of terms, he was resentenced to one year to nearly two years less two days confinement.
Further legal troubles arose when Villalvir was arrested again on February 26, 2024, for access device fraud and other charges after withdrawing money from his deceased girlfriend's bank account just hours after her death due to a drug overdose. He pled guilty to theft by unlawful taking in Northampton County Magisterial District Court.
ICE encourages the public to report crimes or suspicious activities through their Tip Line at 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or via their online tip form.
For more information about ICE Philadelphia’s mission regarding public safety across Pennsylvania, Delaware, and West Virginia communities, visit X: @EROPhiladelphia
