U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials have arrested a 23-year-old Venezuelan national in East Orange, New Jersey, who is wanted for homicide in his home country and is accused of multiple theft-related offenses in the United States.
East Orange identifies itself as a sanctuary city for migrants.
Juan Luis Ramos Marin was taken into custody on April 29 by ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations officers in Newark. He had entered the United States at an unknown time and location without being inspected, admitted, or paroled by immigration authorities.
ICE stated that Ramos has criminal convictions for disorderly conduct and petit larceny in the U.S. and is facing additional charges related to theft and possession of stolen property. The property theft charges involve items valued between $100 and $25,000.
According to ICE, Ramos was identified as a fugitive wanted for homicide in Venezuela following a referral from U.S. Border Patrol on April 9. Homeland Security Investigations Newark and U.S. Customs and Border Protection assisted in the arrest.
“This illegal alien wanted for a violent crime committed overseas was placed into removal proceedings for violating immigration law by illegally entering the United States,” said ICE Newark Field Office Director John Tsoukaris.
ICE holds Venezuelan homicide suspect without bond
Following his arrest, Ramos was issued a notice to appear before a Department of Justice immigration judge and is currently detained in ICE custody without bond.
Federal authorities have not disclosed details regarding the Venezuelan homicide case or whether extradition proceedings are being pursued.
Ramos’s immigration case will proceed through the federal court system while criminal charges in the U.S. remain pending.
ICE captures Venezuelan fugitive with theft charges and homicide warrant in New Jersey.