U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has deported Edgar Batista Matos, a 36-year-old Dominican national wanted in his home country for human smuggling that resulted in the deaths of three minors. Batista Matos was removed from the United States on March 4, departing from Miami International Airport on an ICE removal flight to Las Americas International Airport in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Upon arrival, he was handed over to local law enforcement authorities.
Batista Matos has been deported from the U.S. three times before. His first removal occurred on October 8, 2010, after being apprehended by the U.S. Border Patrol near Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico, following illegal entry. Subsequent removals took place in 2011, 2019, and 2023.
In September 2024, police in San Juan, Puerto Rico arrested Batista Matos after a warrant was issued by Dominican authorities linking him to a fatal human smuggling operation. He entered ICE custody on February 6 and was transferred to Miami pending his deportation.
"The return of this fugitive to the Dominican Republic is a prime example of how ICE works closely with our international law enforcement partners to identify, locate and remove criminal aliens who are wanted in their country for allegedly committing crimes," stated Juan Lopez Vega, acting Field Office Director for ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Miami. "ICE prioritizes the arrest and removal of criminal alien fugitives. As a result, our communities are safer and more secure."
The deportation was coordinated with the Dominican National Police.
Members of the public can report crimes or suspicious activities by calling 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or completing an online tip form.
For further updates on ICE ERO's immigration law enforcement efforts follow them on X at @EROMiami.
