The U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced on Apr. 6 that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has filed an arrest detainer, asking Long Island authorities not to release Ruben Guanipa Ramirez, a Venezuelan national facing attempted murder charges, without notifying ICE.
This request highlights the ongoing cooperation between federal immigration authorities and local law enforcement regarding individuals accused of violent crimes who are also alleged to be in the country unlawfully.
According to the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office, Ramirez is accused of luring his victim to Gilgo Beach, where he allegedly stabbed him in the side and tried to slit his throat. The victim reportedly fought back and sustained further injuries before authorities found rope, duct tape, three kitchen knives—one appearing bloodstained—and a boxcutter in Ramirez’s car.
Acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis said, “Ruben Guanipa Ramirez is a dangerous criminal illegal alien who violently stabbed his victim and attempted to slit his throat. ICE lodged an arrest detainer requesting Long Island not release this attempted murder from jail without notifying ICE. We need more state and local law enforcement to work with ICE to get criminals out of our neighborhoods. This attempted murderer will never be loose on American streets again. Under President Trump and Secretary Mullin, DHS has unleashed ICE to target dangerous criminal illegal aliens, like Ruben Guanipa Ramirez, to put the safety of Americans first.”
DHS reported that Ramirez entered the United States in June 2019 on a B-2 tourist visa requiring him to leave by December 2019 but remained illegally after that date.
The case continues as both federal immigration officials and local prosecutors pursue legal action against Ramirez.
