Migrant wanted in columbia arrested in newark

NEWARK, N.J. — A Colombian national with an outstanding criminal warrant in his home country was arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement earlier this month, ICE officials announced Monday.

Ludwin Quintero-Rojas, 31, who is unlawfully present in the United States, was taken into custody by ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Newark on May 9. He is currently being held without bond at the Delaney Hall Detention Facility in Newark.

“This criminal alien — who is wanted for theft offenses in his home country — tried to hide in United States, specifically in our region, where he was arrested multiple times for similar crimes,” said ERO Newark Field Office Director John Tsoukaris. “Quintero’s immigration and criminal history shows a repetitive pattern of disregard for U.S. laws.”

According to ICE, Quintero-Rojas was first arrested in the U.S. by Border Patrol agents in El Paso, Texas, on Sept. 18, 2023. He was served with a notice to appear in immigration court and released on recognizance.

History of theft-related arrests in tri-state area

Since entering the U.S., Quintero-Rojas has faced multiple theft-related arrests. The New York City Police Department arrested him on Jan. 13 for petit larceny. He was later convicted of disorderly conduct in Queens Criminal Court on July 5 and given a conditional discharge.

In April, Quintero-Rojas was arrested three times in New Jersey over three consecutive days. On April 16, Lacey Township Police charged him with shoplifting. The following day, Howell Township Police also arrested him for shoplifting. On April 18, he was again arrested by Marlboro Township Police for the same offense.

The Marlboro Township Municipal Court convicted him of shoplifting on May 1 and sentenced him to 10 days of community service. Charges from the other two New Jersey arrests remain pending.

Quintero-Rojas remains in ICE custody as officials coordinate with Colombian authorities regarding his removal proceedings.

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