South Texas ICE deportation officers remove previously deported Salvadoran gang member wanted for aggravated homicide and other criminal charges
SAN ANTONIO — A previously deported Salvadoran man – who is a known 18th Street gang member wanted in his home country for aggravated homicide, aggravated robbery, deprivation of liberty – was removed Thursday by deportation officers with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO).
Yimmi Jose Pereira-Ramos, 24, was flown to El Salvador May 9 on a charter flight coordinated by ICE Air Operations (IAO). Upon arrival, Campos-Rivera was turned over to officials from El Salvador’s Civilian National Police (PNC).
On March 1, 2017, Periera-Ramos and other suspected gang members were allegedly involved in a shooting which claimed the life of one man. According to authorities, Periera-Ramos used a firearm in the homicide. On Oct. 1, 2017, Periera-Ramos also participated in an alleged robbery that involved kidnapping a woman.
“The Preiera-Ramos case shows how effective cooperation between U.S. and Salvadoran law enforcement authorities helps keep our communities safe from violent criminal aliens who try to find safe haven in the United States from their crimes,” said Daniel Bible, field office director for ERO San Antonio. “Such cases emphasize the vital nature of ICE immigration enforcement activities.”
On June 21, 2013, immigration officials arrested Periera-Ramos after he illegally entered the United States near Abram, Texas. Three days later, he was transferred to ICE custody. On Aug. 29, 2013, he was removed to El Salvador.
One May 1, 2018, immigration officials arrested Periera-Ramos again after he illegally re-entered the United States near La Joya, Texas. Two days later, he was convicted in a Texas federal court for illegal re-entry and was sentenced to time served.
On Oct. 2018, an immigration judge issued Periera-Ramos a final order of removal. On March 21, 2019, the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) denied his appeal and upheld the immigration judge’s decision.
The ICE ERO El Salvador Office and its Security Alliance for Fugitive Enforcement (SAFE) task force provided information to the local ERO field offices to facilitate Periera-Ramos’ arrest.
ICE removed or returned 258,085 aliens in fiscal year 2018. ERO arrested 158,581 aliens, 90% of whom had criminal convictions, pending criminal charges, or previously issued final orders. The overall arrest figure represents an 11% increase over fiscal year 2017.
ICE is focused on removing public safety threats, such as convicted criminal aliens and gang members, as well as individuals who have violated our nation’s immigration laws, including those who illegally re-entered the country after being removed and immigration fugitives ordered removed.
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