ICE removes Costa Rican citizen wanted for rape in Costa Rica
NEWARK, N.J. – A Costa Rican national who is wanted for raping a minor in his native country was turned over Wednesday to Costa Rican law enforcement officials by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO).
Ramon Castillo-Muñoz, 50, was placed in ICE custody June 31 and deported from the United States Nov. 2.
According to a Costa Rican warrant, Castillo-Muñoz is accused of raping a 6-year-old in his home country. Castillo-Muñoz’s removal was carried out by ICE as a “high profile removal” – a special designation given to foreign fugitives, national security threats, human rights violators and other special interest removals.
“We have taken a potential child predator off our streets and removed him to face justice in his home country. Castillo-Muñoz is a public safety threat, who fled justice in his home country. His removal sends a message to international fugitives; they will not find sanctuary here,” said ERO Newark Field Office Director John Tsoukaris. “ICE will continue to focus its removal resources on violent criminals and other high-priority aliens who pose the greatest threat to our communities.”
On Sept. 16, an immigration judge with the Executive Office for Immigration Review ordered Castillo-Muñoz removed from the United States.
Castillo-Muñoz departed Wednesday under escort from Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey to Juan Santamaria International Airport in San Jose, Costa Rica. Upon his arrival, ERO deportation officers turned Castillo-Muñoz over to Costa Rican authorities.
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