U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) successfully deported Leonardo Elias Chicoj Mejia, a Guatemalan national, to his home country on April 9. Chicoj, 26, is wanted in Guatemala on charges relating to gender-based violence, including domestic violence.
Upon his arrival in Guatemala, Chicoj was apprehended by local authorities, who were coordinating closely with the Security Alliance for Fugitive Enforcement task force. He was subsequently transferred to the courthouse for criminal proceedings to begin.
Chicoj had originally entered the United States at an unspecified location without going through the formal admission process overseen by immigration officials. ICE officers encountered him at the Beadle County Jail in Huron, South Dakota, on February 4, where he was being held on local charges that included assault, obstructing an officer, and resisting arrest.
Following his encounter with ICE, Chicoj was transferred on February 6 to ICE custody at the Minnehaha County Jail in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. His removal process then commenced.
“We appreciate the cooperation of our partners in South Dakota to assist in removing this illegal alien from our community,” stated ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations St. Paul Field Office Director Peter Berg. “We also appreciate the efforts of our ICE office in Guatemala in making this a smooth transition so Chicoj can face justice in his home country.”
Further information about ICE’s mission to enhance public safety within Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa, and Nebraska can be found on X, @EROSaintPaul.
