PHOENIX – A Mexican national wanted in his native country for aggravated homicide was deported Wednesday by officers with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO).
Juan Garica-Rendon, 38, was transferred to the custody of representatives from Mexico’s Procuraduria General de la Republica (PGR) and Mexican immigration officials by ERO officers at the Nogales DeConcini Port of Entry. He came into ICE custody Tuesday following his release from federal prison.
According to an arrest warrant issued by Mexican authorities late last year, Garcia-Rendon fatally shot a man at close range in the Oaxacan city of Ejutla de Crespo in December 2009.
“Fugitives who commit egregious crimes in their home country should not expect to find refuge in the U.S.,” said Henry Lucero, the field office director for ERO Phoenix. “As a result of the close cooperation between U.S. and Mexican authorities, this suspect has been safely returned to his native country to face justice.”
Relevant Department of Homeland Security databases indicate Garcia-Rendon has been removed from the U.S. multiple times dating back to 2004. In May, he was federally prosecuted for illegal entry, resulting in a 75-day prison term. Following his release from federal prison, ICE was able to reinstate his prior order of removal. In November, federal officials charged Garcia-Rendon will illegal re-entry resulting in a 5-month prison term. His prior removals paved the way for Wednesday’s repatriation.
Since Oct. 1, 2009, ERO has removed more than 1,700 foreign fugitives from the United States who were sought in their native countries for serious crimes, including kidnapping, rape and murder. In fiscal year 2016, ICE conducted 240,255 removals nationwide. Ninety-two percent of individuals removed from the interior of the United States had previously been convicted of a criminal offense.
