ICE Tucson arrests Mexican national illegally present in the US, wanted in Mexico for homicide

TUCSON, Ariz. — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement apprehended an illegal Mexican national wanted for homicide in Mexico when ICE, the U.S. Marshals Service and the Drug Enforcement Administration arrested Michell Armando Santander-Ortega, 30, Feb. 8.

"The removal of Michell Armando Santander-Ortega demonstrates our commitment to ensuring that criminal aliens face justice,” said ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Phoenix Field Office Director John Cantu. “By collaborating with our law enforcement partners and enforcing immigration laws, we ensure that dangerous criminals are removed from our communities.”

Santander-Ortega illegally entered the United States on an unknown date. On Jan. 7, ERO Tucson received information through an ICE Tip Line referral leading to Santander-Ortega’s arrest nearly a month later. He was transferred to the Florence Detention Center in Florence, to await a hearing before an immigration judge.

Santander-Ortega is in ICE custody pending the outcome of his immigration case.

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

For more news and information on ICE’s efforts to enforce our nation’s immigration laws in Arizona, follow us on X at @ERO__Phoenix.