ICE removes murder suspect to Montenegro

NEW YORK - A man wanted on murder charges in the southeastern European country of Montenegro was removed from the United States this week by officers with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO).

Adnan Bicic, 23, became the subject of an INTERPOL Red Notice after Montenegro's High Court of Podgorica issued a warrant for his arrest in December 2009. Special agents with ICE's Homeland Security Investigations arrested Bicic in the Hamilton Heights section of New York on Jan. 5, 2011.

"This removal makes it clear that the United States is not a refuge for those who hope to avoid facing justice in their home country," said Christopher Shanahan, field office director of ERO in New York. "We are committed to working closely with our law enforcement partners here and abroad to ensure that the safety and security of our communities is preserved."

After his arrest, Bicic was placed in removal proceedings. On Jan. 18, 2011, he appeared before an immigration judge who ordered him deported from the United States. Bicic has remained in ICE custody since his arrest.

Records show that Bicic entered the United States in April 2009 as a visitor. He remained in the United States without authorization.

ICE officers turned Bicic over to Montenegrin authorities at Podgorica International Airport Wednesday afternoon. He is expected to face charges for his role in an October 2006 incident at a café bar in Podgorica where one man died and another was seriously injured.

ICE worked closely with its attaché office in Vienna, Austria, and the Diplomatic Security agent at the U.S. Embassy in Podgorica to carry out Bicic's removal. An INTERPOL Red Notice is used to alert law enforcement agencies in member countries that arrest warrants have been issued and extradition will be sought for the fugitives. Being the subject of this type of notice is not a presumption of guilt.