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Washington D.C.
Wednesday, September 18, 2024

ERO Baltimore Arrests Colombian Gang Leader Wanted for Homicide and Arms Trafficking

Colombian fugitive wanted by authorities for numerous violent crimes in home country

Enforcement and Removal Operations Baltimore apprehended an unlawfully present Colombian fugitive and leader of a violent criminal organization who is wanted by authorities in his home country for homicide, arms trafficking and aggravated theft charges. Deportation officers from ERO Baltimore’s Fugitive Operations Team arrested the 29-year-old Colombian fugitive July 31 at his residence in College Park.

The Colombian fugitive is a validated leader of the Las Colinas criminal organization based in Santa Marta, Colombia.

“This Colombian fugitive is wanted by authorities in his home country for allegedly committing some violent crimes,” said ERO Baltimore acting Deputy Field Office Director Vernon Liggins. “He attempted to hide from justice in Maryland, and we simply cannot allow that to happen. Our officers are the best in the world at finding people who don’t want to be found, and we will not allow our Maryland communities to become safe havens for the world’s bad actors. ERO Baltimore will continue to prioritize public safety by apprehending egregious noncitizen offenders.”

U.S. Border Patrol encountered the Colombian national Sept. 14, 2023, after he unlawfully entered the United States near San Ysidro, California. Border Patrol officials served the Colombian noncitizen with a notice to appear before a Department of Justice immigration judge.

U.S. Border Patrol transferred custody of the noncitizen to ERO San Diego Sept. 16, 2023. Later that day, ERO San Diego served him an order of release on recognizance and released him from custody.

Colombian authorities are actively seeking custody of the Colombian fugitive, citing charges of arms trafficking, aggravated theft and homicide.

On July 12, 2024, ERO Baltimore learned that the Colombian fugitive was is unlawfully present in the United States and potentially residing in the Maryland area.

Deportation officers from ERO Baltimore’s Fugitive Operations Team arrested the 29-year-old Colombian fugitive July 31 at his residence in College Park. The Colombian national remains in ERO custody.

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