Tricia McLaughlin, Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs | https://www.dhs.gov/
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has placed arrest detainers on three Venezuelan nationals charged with capital murder in connection to a shooting at a Motel 6 in Garland, Texas. The suspects, identified as Yosguar Aponte-Jimenez, Jose Trivino-Cruz, and Jesus Bellorin-Guzman, are accused of killing Santiago Lopez Morales on June 20.
Authorities reported that the incident is linked to an aggravated robbery earlier that morning at the Deluxe Inn. In that case, two men allegedly forced entry into a woman’s room, held her at gunpoint, sexually assaulted her, and stole valuables before fleeing.
According to ICE officials, the agency acted to prevent the suspects from being released back into the community. The investigation found that the individuals admitted to targeting prostitutes under the belief they would be less likely to report crimes. Jimenez confessed involvement in more than 25 robberies; Trivino-Cruz admitted to two additional robberies on the same day as the homicide.
“Three depraved criminal illegal aliens from Venezuela were released into the U.S. under the Biden administration and are now facing capital murder and robbery charges for shooting and killing a man at a motel in Dallas County, Texas,” said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “Thanks to the brave men and women of ICE law enforcement, these criminal illegal aliens' crime spree is OVER. These vicious criminals have no place in the United States. ICE has lodged a detainer to ensure they are removed from our country after they face justice for their heinous crimes.”
Aponte-Jimenez reportedly crossed into the U.S. illegally on May 3, 2023, while Trivino-Cruz and Bellorin-Guzman entered using CBP One app in October 2024 and January 2025 respectively; all were released into the country by current border policies.
All three remain in custody pending legal proceedings.
