Elizabeth City, NC – Federal authorities this week arrested a Honduran national with a prior removal order after he was caught poaching red drum fish at Cape Hatteras National Seashore, officials announced.
Walter Betancourth, 46, was taken into custody by U.S. Marshals following a federal court appearance tied to fish and wildlife violations. He has since been transferred to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for deportation proceedings.
According to court records, park rangers spotted Betancourth and four other men on June 15, 2025, with 16 illegally caught red drum. Regulations allow just one per person per day, and several of the fish exceeded legal size limits.
Betancourth had been ordered removed from the United States in April 2022 but had remained unlawfully.
U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle for the Eastern District of North Carolina said the case underscored federal enforcement priorities, noting that officials would continue to pursue individuals who disregard U.S. laws and resources.
The arrest was carried out through coordination among the U.S. Marshals Service, ICE, and the National Park Service.
Key Points
- Walter Betancourth, 46, a Honduran citizen, arrested after poaching red drum at Cape Hatteras.
- Rangers found 16 fish, far above the one-per-day limit, with several exceeding size restrictions.
- Betancourth had a final removal order from April 2022 and was turned over to ICE.
Federal officials said the case highlights their continued cooperation in enforcing immigration and natural resource laws.