U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem has announced that the department is working with federal authorities to arrange the extradition of a man accused of killing 24-year-old Emma Schafer. The suspect, Gabriel P. Calixto, was apprehended by Mexican authorities on August 28, 2025.
“The vicious illegal alien murderer who has been evading justice for two years after stabbing 24-year-old Emma Shafer has been ARRESTED. We will continue to work with federal authorities to coordinate extradition proceedings,” said Secretary Kristi Noem. “THANK YOU to our law enforcement partners for bringing this perpetrator to justice.”
Calixto, described as a criminal illegal alien from Mexico, faces charges including first-degree murder and domestic battery related to the July 2023 incident in Springfield, Illinois.
Earlier this year, Secretary Noem visited Springfield to address concerns over sanctuary policies in Illinois and elsewhere in the country. During her visit, she met with families affected by crimes committed by undocumented immigrants and criticized Governor Pritzker’s approach toward immigration enforcement.
DHS stated that its law enforcement efforts aim to prevent similar incidents nationwide. The department also noted that victims of crimes committed by undocumented immigrants can seek assistance through the Victims of Immigration Crime Engagement (VOICE) Office at 1-855-488-6423.
