The U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced on Apr. 14 that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has lodged an arrest detainer for Willie Ricardo Merida‑Escobar, a Guatemalan national accused of murdering his wife in Tulsa County, Oklahoma.
The case is significant as it highlights cooperation between federal immigration authorities and local law enforcement to prevent the release of individuals facing serious criminal charges who are also subject to removal from the United States.
According to the announcement, Merida‑Escobar was arrested by Tulsa Police Department officers on April 10 on a state charge of first-degree murder after allegedly strangling his wife, Karla Gramajo-Cabrera, following an argument at their home. Authorities say he confessed to the crime while their son was asleep in another room. The victim's disappearance was initially reported by her sister.
Officials said Merida‑Escobar entered the country illegally in September 2016 and failed to appear for a scheduled immigration court hearing in September 2023. He was issued a final order of removal that same year but remained in the country until his recent arrest.
"Willie Ricardo Merida‑Escobar, a criminal illegal alien from Guatemala, strangled his wife and dumped her body under a highway in Oklahoma. This monster should have never been in our country," said Acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis. "ICE lodged an arrest detainer with our law enforcement partners in Tulsa County to ensure this sick individual is not released from custody.7 of the top 10 safest cities in the United States cooperate with ICE. Partnerships with law enforcement are critical to having the resources we need to arrest criminal illegal aliens across the country. Under President Trump and Secretary Mullin, criminal illegal aliens are NOT welcome in the U.S."
The statement also outlined ICE's use of agreements through its 287(g) program with state and local agencies allowing specially trained officers to perform certain immigration enforcement functions under ICE supervision.
Members of the public are encouraged by DHS to report crimes or suspicious activity related to immigration violations through its hotline or online tip form.
