Philadelphia fugitive wanted for rape and drug trafficking deported to ecuador

PHILADELPHIA, PA — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has deported a man wanted in Ecuador for rape, drug trafficking, and theft, ICE officials announced Wednesday.

Jose Luis Romero Diaz, an Ecuadorian national, was removed to Ecuador on March 25 following a final order of removal issued by an immigration judge. Romero is a foreign fugitive sought by Ecuadorian law enforcement for multiple serious crimes.

Key Points

ICE deported Ecuadorian national Jose Luis Romero Diaz, wanted for rape, drug trafficking, and theft.
Romero had previously entered the U.S. illegally and was arrested in New York for robbery.
He was detained in Pennsylvania before being removed to Ecuador on March 25.

Romero had entered the United States illegally near El Paso, Texas, on Nov. 20, 2023. He was arrested by U.S. Border Patrol and issued a notice to appear in immigration court. He was released the next day on his own recognizance.

On Nov. 2, 2024, Romero was arrested by the New York Police Department and charged with robbery causing physical injury. These charges remain pending, according to ICE.

ICE arrested Romero again on Jan. 14 after he reported to the agency’s New York field office to request immigration records. He was transferred to the Moshannon Valley Processing Center in Philipsburg, Pennsylvania, under ICE Philadelphia’s jurisdiction.

“Romero’s removal underscores ICE Philadelphia’s critical role in protecting our communities from those who present a significant danger to public safety,” said acting Field Office Director Brian McShane.

Romero was deported five days after the immigration court ordered his removal in absentia on March 20.

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