U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has requested that local authorities in Charlotte, North Carolina, not release Jamie Iram Gamez Cadena, a Mexican national who is in the United States illegally on an expired B-2 tourist visa. Gamez Cadena was arrested for attempted first-degree murder after allegedly stabbing his ex-girlfriend multiple times on February 1, 2026.
ICE issued an arrest detainer for Gamez Cadena on the same day as his arrest. The agency’s request asks local law enforcement to notify ICE before releasing him from jail into the community.
Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin stated, “Sanctuary politicians repeatedly place dangerous MONSTERS like this above the safety of American citizens. We are calling on North Carolina politicians to commit to not releasing this attempted murderer from jail back into American communities. Unfortunately, the state of North Carolina has a history of refusing to cooperate with ICE and releasing criminals back onto our streets to create more victims.”
ICE highlighted concerns about sanctuary policies in North Carolina, noting that such measures have led to the release of approximately 1,400 individuals with criminal records directly from jail into communities without notification to federal authorities.
The Department of Homeland Security emphasized its ongoing efforts to protect communities and prevent similar incidents. Support services are available through the Victims of Immigration Crime Engagement (VOICE) Office for those affected by crimes involving undocumented immigrants.
