ERO El Paso removes Ecuadorian fugitive wanted for murder, drug trafficking
EL PASO, Texas — Officers with Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) El Paso removed an unlawfully present noncitizen wanted for murder and drug trafficking in his home country of Ecuador on Feb. 16.
Christian Patricio Palacios-Vega, 39, who had a final order of removal to Ecuador, was removed via U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Air Operations. ERO officers turned him over to law enforcement authorities upon arrival at the airport in Guayaquil.
“ERO remains steadfast in vigorously pursuing foreign fugitives who pose a threat to the safety of our country and communities,” said Mary De Anda-Ybarra, field office director for ERO El Paso. “This removal is yet another example of how the international partnerships this agency has cultivated is making sure criminals who attempted to seek safe haven in the United States face justice in their home countries.”
On Nov. 26, Palacios-Vega illegally entered the United States near the Paso Del Norte Port of Entry in El Paso. On the same day, U.S. Border Patrol agents encountered him near the Paso Del Norte Port of Entry and arrested him.
On Nov. 27, Border Patrol agents served Palacios-Vega a Notice and Order of Expedited Removal, and on Dec. 2, Border Patrol turned custody of Palacios-Vega over to ERO El Paso. He was detained and housed at the El Paso Processing Center.
ICE targets and arrests noncitizens who have committed crimes and other individuals who have violated our nation’s immigration laws. ICE officers, informed by their experience and training, use their discretion inherent as law enforcement officials to focus enforcement resources on people who threaten the homeland.
In fiscal year 2022, ERO arrested 46,396 noncitizens with criminal histories. This group had 198,498 associated charges and convictions, including 21,531 assault offenses; 8,164 sex and sexual assault offenses; 5,554 weapons offenses; 1,501 homicide-related offenses; and 1,114 kidnapping offenses.
Members of the public can report crimes and suspicious activity by dialing 866-347-2423 or completing the online tip form. Learn more about ICE’s mission to increase public safety in your community on Twitter @EROElPaso. The El Paso area of responsibility encompasses El Paso, West Texas, and the State of New Mexico.
Updated: