The U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced on Mar. 17 that a judge has ordered the release of Carlos Antonio Flores-Miguel, identified as an MS-13 gang member, from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody in Minnesota.
The case is significant because it involves a person with a criminal record who had previously been removed from the United States multiple times. The Department of Homeland Security said Flores-Miguel's release raises concerns about public safety and immigration enforcement.
According to the department, ICE arrested Flores-Miguel during a targeted operation on Jan. 20, 2026. Officials said he resisted arrest by punching and kicking officers and attempting to grab an officer's gun holster before being taken into custody. His criminal history in the United States includes charges of rape, resisting an officer, and illegal re-entry. He was also reportedly arrested for robbery in El Salvador.
Acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis said, “This activist, Obama-appointed judge RELEASED Carlos Antonio Flores-Miguel, a criminal illegal alien from El Salvador and MS-13 gang member, from ICE custody. This gang member was previously RELEASED by the Biden Administration in 2022. Releasing violent criminals is inexcusably reckless and now this criminal will be able to perpetrate more crimes against innocent Americans. President Trump is enforcing the law and arresting illegal aliens who have no right to be in our country. We are applying the law as written. If an immigration judge finds an illegal alien has no right to be in this country, we are going to remove them. Period.”
Flores-Miguel first entered the United States illegally in September 2016 and was removed one month later. He re-entered illegally again before being removed in March 2017, then entered for a third time in October 2021 before being released in June 2022. A judge granted him a final order of removal but found he could be sent to any country except El Salvador.
The Department of Homeland Security said this case highlights the importance of third-country removals as part of efforts to address individuals with criminal backgrounds who enter or remain unlawfully.
