U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) recently removed Jose Luis Romero Diaz, an Ecuadorian national, back to Ecuador. Romero faced a final order of removal and was wanted by Ecuadorian authorities for various offenses, including rape, drug trafficking, and theft.
"Romero’s removal underscores ICE Philadelphia’s critical role in protecting our communities from those who present a significant danger to public safety," stated Brian McShane, acting Field Office Director at ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Philadelphia. ICE continues its efforts to prioritize the apprehension and removal of individuals wanted for serious crimes.
Romero was initially arrested by the U.S. Border Patrol on November 20, 2023, near El Paso, Texas, for entering the United States without inspection. The following day, he was issued a notice to appear and released on his own recognizance.
In March 2024, an immigration judge in New York ordered Romero's removal to Ecuador in absentia. Later, on November 2, 2024, the New York Police Department arrested him for robbery causing physical injury, with these charges still pending.
Romero later reported to the ICE field office in New York on January 14 to request copies of his immigration documents. He was promptly arrested by ICE New York and moved to the ICE Philadelphia office at the Moshannon Valley Processing Center in Philipsburg, Pennsylvania, where he stayed until his deportation.
ICE encourages the public to report any crimes or suspicious activities through the ICE Tip Line at 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or via the online tip form. More information about ICE Philadelphia’s efforts to enhance public safety in Pennsylvania, Delaware, and West Virginia can be found on their social media platform X: @EROPhiladelphia.
