Salt Lake City ERO removes fugitive wanted for domestic violence in Mexico

SALT LAKE CITY – U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations Salt Lake City officers removed Iker Daniel Castillo Sarabia, 22, a citizen of Mexico wanted by law enforcement authorities in Mexico for domestic violence and harmful injuries, to Mexico Jan. 7. Castillo was removed from McFarland, California, and transported via San Diego to the San Ysidro port of entry where he was turned over to Mexican authorities.

“We are just a few days into the new year and are hard at work removing dangerous felons,” said ERO Salt Lake City Field Office Director Michael Bernacke. “We are pleased Castillo will face justice in his home country.”

Castillo entered the United States at an unknown date and location without inspection by an immigration official. He was convicted June 16, 2023, in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington for possession of controlled substance with intent to distribute.

ERO officers lodged an immigration detainer Oct. 16, 2024, with FCI Herlong Federal Prison in Herlong, California, and Castillo was served a final administrative removal order Nov.12, 2024. ERO took custody of Castillo Dec. 19 to coordinate his removal.

Castillo’s successful removal was made possible with the assistance of ERO San Diego’s removal team.

ERO is one of ICE’s three operational directorates and 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, @EROSaltLakeCity.