U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has lodged an arrest detainer against Michel Jordan Castellano Fonseca, a Venezuelan national with alleged ties to the Tren de Aragua gang, following his arrest for homicide in Aurora, Colorado.
According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Castellano Fonseca entered the United States illegally in December 2023 and was released into the country after being issued a Notice to Appear before an immigration judge. He had previously been arrested by Port Richey Police Department in October 2024 for driving without a valid license. At the time of his most recent arrest, he also had an outstanding domestic violence warrant from Arapahoe County.
On August 3, 2025, authorities allege that Castellano Fonseca forcibly entered an apartment and shot two women—his wife and his sister-in-law—in front of five children. The incident resulted in the death of his sister-in-law and left his wife critically injured. The Aurora Police Department arrested him on August 4, 2025, charging him with homicide.
Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin stated: “Michel Jordan Castellano Fonseca, a criminal illegal alien with ties to TDA, was released into our country by the Biden Administration in 2023. On Sunday, this monster shot two women, killing one, in front of five innocent children,” said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “Aurora, Colorado—a sanctuary city—has given cover to Tren de Aragua gang members to terrorize our communities. The brave men and women of ICE will be relentless in their efforts to ensure Tren de Aragua terrorists are removed from our country for GOOD.”
The press release notes that on January 20, 2025, President Donald J. Trump signed an executive order designating Tren de Aragua as a Foreign Terrorist Organization.
The DHS stated that under Secretary Noem’s leadership at ICE there will be continued focus on removing individuals associated with groups designated as threats to public safety.
