The United States Department of Homeland Security announced on Apr. 27 that Jesus Maltos-Chacon, a Mexican national, has been re-added to Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Most Wanted List after previously being removed during the Biden Administration. Maltos-Chacon is wanted in connection with the 2006 hit-and-run death of Blake Zieto in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
The announcement highlights renewed efforts by law enforcement to locate Maltos-Chacon, who has evaded capture for nearly two decades. The case has drawn attention due to its impact on the victim's family and ongoing debates over immigration enforcement policies.
"Jesus Maltos-Chacon is the Mexican criminal illegal alien who killed 20-year-old Blake Zieto in Baton Rouge, LA," said Acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis. "Maltos-Chacon hit Blake head-on, driving his truck on the wrong side of the road, and trapped Blake’s motorcycle underneath the truck as it went up in flames. Jesus Maltos-Chacon has been on the run ever since. After being taken off the ICE Most Wanted list by Biden, he is back on the Most Wanted list. We will find Maltos-Chacon. Not only because justice demands it, but because the Zieto family deserves peace. If you have any information on this alien’s whereabouts, call our tip line at 866-347-2423."
According to DHS, Blake Zieto was struck while riding his motorcycle when Maltos-Chacon swerved into his lane with a truck that then caught fire following impact. Authorities say that after exiting his vehicle at the scene of the crash, Maltos-Chacon fled and remains at large despite multiple tips over twenty years suggesting sightings across several states including Louisiana, Texas, and Minnesota.
Records indicate that Maltos-Chacon has prior arrests for offenses such as DWI in Texas and operating a vehicle without lawful presence in East Baton Rouge Parish; an earlier arrest dates back to February 1998 for assault with no disposition noted.
Blake's parents Judy and Tony have spent nearly two decades seeking justice for their son while expressing frustration over what they describe as insufficient support from government officials until recent policy changes under President Trump led to reopening resources like VOICE (Victims of Immigration Crime Engagement) Office.
"I've dedicated my life to fighting for justice for Blake," Judy said. "So I contacted VOICE, and they immediately called me back and gave me the information that they had... The illegal that killed Blake was taken off [the list], but he is back on... He's up there as ICE Most Wanted." Tony added: "We... have been watching an illegal alien whom slaughtered our child roam from sanctuary city to sanctuary city." Judy encouraged other families: "Contact VOICE and they will help you... Just don't give up. You're not alone in this even though many times you will feel like you are you are not alone."
A portion of their testimony can be viewed online at https://youtu.be/v2wgHEL8K_Q.
DHS urges anyone with information about Jesus Maltos-Chacon’s whereabouts to contact its tip line.
