A New Jersey dad has been arrested.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Newark have arrested a 23-year-old Venezuelan national wanted for murder in his home country, the agency announced Tuesday. The man, who was taken into custody in East Orange, New Jersey, is also considered a fugitive in Brazil and has a criminal history in the United States.
At this time, New Jersey’s candidates in the Democrat primary for governor, have not called for the man’s release.
According to ICE, the individual entered the U.S. without being formally admitted or paroled by immigration authorities. His entry date and location remain unknown. Officials said he is unlawfully present in the country.
ICE identified the man as having prior convictions in the U.S. for disorderly conduct and larceny. He is also facing pending charges for property theft and possession of stolen property with intent to sell. Additionally, authorities say he has been flagged as a fugitive from justice in Brazil.
The arrest was carried out by officers with ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) division in Newark, which has jurisdiction over immigration enforcement and fugitive apprehension in the region. The agency did not disclose whether the man will face extradition to Venezuela or Brazil.
“This 23-year-old Venezuelan fugitive… is an illegal alien, and it’s unknown when or where he entered the United States because he was never admitted or paroled by an immigration officer,” ICE wrote on social media.
International warrants raise questions about cross-border enforcement
ICE has not released the fugitive’s name, citing ongoing investigations and privacy protocols. It is also unclear whether any foreign governments have formally requested his extradition. Venezuelan and Brazilian officials have not issued public statements on the arrest.
The case adds to growing scrutiny of undocumented individuals wanted for crimes abroad who evade detection upon entering the United States. Federal authorities have increased cross-border cooperation with foreign law enforcement to track fugitives with international arrest warrants.
ICE did not say how the fugitive was located or what led agents to East Orange. The man is currently in ICE custody pending immigration proceedings.