U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has repatriated Kevin Estuardo Escobar Chanas, a 27-year-old Guatemalan fugitive, wanted for criminal impersonation in Guatemala. Escobar was deported from the United States on March 26, departing from Alexandria, Louisiana, on a chartered ICE flight. Upon his arrival at La Aurora International Airport in Guatemala City, Escobar was immediately handed over to local Guatemalan law enforcement.
ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations in Houston played a significant role in this operation. Field Office Director Bret A. Bradford highlighted the essential collaboration between various law enforcement agencies to facilitate such deportations. “The successful identification and removal of this foreign fugitive is another reminder of how important it is for state and local law enforcement to work together with ICE,” Bradford stated. He further noted that without the partnerships in Texas, individuals like Escobar might continue to threaten public safety and evade justice.
Escobar's entry into the United States was unauthorized. He crossed the border near Eagle Pass, Texas, on December 24, 2023, and was apprehended by the U.S. Border Patrol, who released him on his own recognizance the following day. However, in October 2024, ICE detained Escobar at the Harris County Jail after he was charged with assault causing bodily injury. After completing his sentence for this offense, he was transferred to ICE custody and held at the Montgomery Processing Center in Conroe, Texas. Subsequently, an immigration judge ordered his removal on February 25.
The public is encouraged to assist ICE by reporting any information related to foreign fugitives. Tips can be submitted by calling the ICE Tip Line or through the agency's online portal.
For ongoing updates regarding the mission of the ERO Houston field office in Southeast Texas, follow them on the platform X at @EROHouston.
