ICE ends Honduran MS-13 associate’s reign of gang-related terror thanks to honored immigration detainer in Virginia

Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

WASHINGTON — On June 15, ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations Washington, D.C. officers arrested Jose Jairo Rivas-Santiago, 32, a Honduran national and suspected MS-13 gang associate convicted of first-degree murder and armed robbery June 15.

In April 2019, ICE’s Homeland Security Investigations Richmond agents found and arrested Rivas-Santiago on charges of armed robbery and conspiracy related to an MS-13 gang murder. HSI turned him over to the Richmond City Police Department for prosecution. In April 2021, a judge convicted him of murder and armed robbery, sentencing him to 30 years in prison.

“After Rivas-Santiago’s sentencing, ICE lodged an immigration detainer with the Coffeewood Correctional Center, where he was serving his sentence,” said acting ICE Director David J. Venturella. “The Virginia Department of Corrections honored our detainer and notified us of his release, and he’s now in ICE custody awaiting removal.”

In July 2011, U.S. Border Patrol apprehended Rivas-Santiago in Carrizo Springs, Texas, after he unlawfully entered the United States. Officials turned him over to juvenile detention authorities. By April 2019, he was living in the United States and was arrested in Richmond for serious violent crimes.

ERO processed Rivas-Santiago under a previously issued final order of removal, and he now awaits removal to Honduras.

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