U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in Phoenix arrested a Guatemalan national on May 2 who is wanted in New Mexico on a felony charge involving criminal sexual communication with a child, officials confirmed.
Francisco Alexander Pablo-Antonio, 23, was taken into custody by ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) following a routine vehicle stop. Authorities later confirmed an active arrest warrant for Pablo-Antonio issued by the Magistrate Court for San Juan County, New Mexico.
“Illegal aliens who perpetrate egregious crimes against the most vulnerable in our communities will be prioritized for arrest and detention,” said ERO Phoenix Deputy Field Office Director Alejandro Almeida.
Pablo-Antonio originally entered the U.S. illegally near El Paso, Texas, in December 2018, and was issued a notice to appear in immigration court. He was released under conditions in March 2019. On Sept. 7, 2019, an immigration judge ordered him removed from the United States—just days before the New Mexico charges were filed.
Suspect faces extradition and immigration proceedings
ICE said Pablo-Antonio will remain in custody without bond as legal proceedings move forward. The arrest comes amid ongoing efforts by ICE Phoenix to apprehend individuals with outstanding criminal warrants or convictions, particularly in cases involving child exploitation or abuse.
Officials have not provided details on how long Pablo-Antonio remained in the country after the 2019 removal order or whether he had any subsequent encounters with law enforcement prior to his May 2 arrest.
ICE confirmed that Pablo-Antonio’s case will proceed in both criminal and immigration courts, with his transfer to New Mexico pending legal coordination.