ERO Philadelphia removes noncitizen wanted for attempted murder in Ecuador

PHILADELPHIA – U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations Philadelphia removed Jonathan Javier Arequipa Montesdeoca, a citizen of Ecuador with a final order of removal, to Ecuador Nov. 26. Arequipa is a foreign fugitive wanted by law enforcement authorities in Ecuador for attempted murder.

"The removal of Arequipa demonstrates ERO Philadelphia’s unwavering commitment to public safety and national security. His apprehension and removal are the results of coordinated efforts between ERO and international law enforcement partners,” said Acting ERO Philadelphia Field Office Director Brian McShane. “Removal efforts like this protect the citizens of the United States and allow the international victims to get the justice they deserve."

The U.S. Border Patrol arrested Arequipa near Lukeville, Arizona Aug. 11, 2023, for entering the United States without inspection by an immigration official. The next day, he was served with a notice to appear before an immigration judge and released on an order of release on recognizance. ERO enrolled him in the Compliance Assistance Reporting Terminal with six-month interval reporting requirements Oct. 31, 2023.

The East Orange Police Department, New Jersey, arrested Arequipa for simple assault Nov. 26, 2023. On the same date, ERO Newark encountered Arequipa at the Essex County Correctional Facility in Newark, New Jersey and lodged an immigration detainer with the facility. The next day, ERO Newark arrested him at ECCF.

An immigration judge ordered Arequipa removed from the United States to Ecuador Oct. 29.

As one of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) three operational directorates, Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) is the principal federal law enforcement authority in charge of domestic immigration enforcement. ERO’s mission is to protect the homeland through the arrest and removal of those who undermine the safety of U.S. communities and the integrity of U.S. immigration laws, and its primary areas of focus are interior enforcement operations, management of the agency’s detained and non-detained populations, and repatriation of noncitizens who have received final orders of removal. ERO’s workforce consists of more than 7,700 law enforcement and non-law enforcement support personnel across 25 domestic field offices and 208 locations nationwide, 30 overseas postings, and multiple temporary duty travel assignments along the border.

Members of the public can report crimes or suspicious activity by calling 866-347-2423 or completing ICE’s online tip form.

Learn more about ERO’s mission to increase public safety in your community on X, formerly known as Twitter, @EROPhiladelphia.