ICE apprehends illegal alien with ties to Nicaraguan massacre and Mexican drug cartel

BALTIMORE — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested Javier Zeledon Reyes, 56, an illegal alien and citizen of Nicaragua, in Hyattsville, March 6, after he admitted during immigration proceedings to massacring approximately 20 people in the 1990s while serving in the Nicaraguan army.

“This arrest highlights exactly why ICE is vital to the safety of our nation,” said ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Baltimore acting Field Office Director Matthew Elliston. “This individual, while in proceedings, admitted to his horrific past— massacring innocent people and later aiding a ruthless drug cartel in Mexico. His presence in the United States was a direct threat to public safety, and thanks to the diligent work of our officers, he will no longer be able to hide in our communities. ICE remains committed to identifying, arresting, and removing dangerous criminals who have no place in our neighborhoods.”

U.S. Customs and Border Protection arrested Zeledon at the Gateway International Bridge in Brownsville, Texas, March 29, 2023, and issued him a notice to appear.

Zeledon attended a hearing before an immigration judge with the Justice Department’s Executive Office of Immigration Review, March 5. Zeledon freely admitted during the hearing to serving in the Nicaraguan military from 1995 to 1996 and firing an AK-47 into a crowd of civilians, killing approximately 20 people. Zeledon also admitted he relocated to Mexico and provided material support to a cartel. The immigration judge ordered Zeledon removed from the United States to Nicaragua.

Zeledon remains in ICE custody pending his removal.

Members of the public can report crimes and suspicious activity by dialing 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or completing the online tip form.

Learn more about ICE’s mission to increase public safety in our communities on X at @EROBaltimore.