Jason M. Frierson U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the District of Nevada
The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Nevada announced plans to seek further legal action after a federal court ordered the release of a man convicted of murder and identified by the Department of Homeland Security as an MS-13 gang member. The decision, made by United States District Judge Richard F. Boulware II, was issued despite objections from government attorneys.
First Assistant United States Attorney Sigal Chattah commented on the case: “Our office remains committed to protecting public safety and enforcing the law remain top priorities. In this matter, however, the outcome results in the release of a convicted murderer and known MS-13 gang member into the community, raising serious public-safety concerns. We are deeply troubled by the risks posed to the public and will continue to pursue all lawful avenues to address those concerns and safeguard the community.”
According to authorities, the individual in question has a final order of removal from the United States. Federal law requires that people with such orders remain in immigration custody for a certain period so their removal can be carried out and public safety is maintained. Officials argue that releasing this person goes against these legal requirements.
During ongoing immigration proceedings, the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit decided not to halt his removal and instructed that it should proceed. This ruling activated a mandatory detention period under federal immigration statutes.
However, following Judge Boulware's order, officials released the individual on January 21, 2026. The government stated that failure to comply with this order could have resulted in sanctions from the court, including being held in contempt.
