Newark, NJ — A Honduran national living illegally in the United States is in federal custody after ICE officers discovered he was wanted in his home country on a homicide charge, according to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Fredy Alexander Lopez Lara was arrested by ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Newark during what officials described as a routine enforcement action in Monmouth County. After taking him into custody, officers learned he was the subject of an active murder warrant issued in Honduras.
The discovery transformed what began as a standard immigration arrest into an international fugitive case.
Arrest Made During Enforcement Operation
According to ICE, officers encountered Lopez Lara on April 20 while he was a passenger in a vehicle stopped during a targeted enforcement operation in Eatontown, New Jersey.
Authorities arrested him because of his unlawful presence in the United States.
Subsequent database checks revealed that Honduran authorities were seeking Lopez Lara in connection with a homicide investigation.
ICE said he is wanted in Honduras for murder.
ICE Highlights International Cooperation
Federal immigration officials said the case underscores cooperation between U.S. authorities and international law enforcement partners.
Acting ERO Newark Field Office Director Arthur J. Wilson Jr. said ICE remains committed to locating and detaining foreign fugitives who attempt to avoid prosecution by entering the United States unlawfully.
“ICE is actively working with our law enforcement partners worldwide to make sure foreign fugitives wanted for violent crimes are held accountable,” Wilson said.
“We will see to it that no criminal evades prosecution overseas by unlawfully seeking refuge in the United States.”
Key Points
• ICE Newark arrested a Honduran national during an enforcement operation in Eatontown.
• Authorities later discovered he was wanted in Honduras on a homicide charge.
• Lopez Lara remains in ICE custody pending removal proceedings.
Entered United States Illegally, ICE Says
According to ICE, Lopez Lara entered the United States at an unknown date and location without being inspected, admitted, or paroled by an immigration officer.
Federal officials did not provide additional details about the homicide allegation in Honduras or indicate when the arrest warrant was issued.
The agency also did not disclose how long Lopez Lara had been living in the United States before his arrest.
Removal Proceedings Underway
Lopez Lara remains in ICE custody as immigration proceedings move forward.
Federal authorities have not announced whether Honduras has formally requested extradition or whether deportation proceedings will be used to return him to his home country.
For now, ICE officials say the Honduran fugitive remains detained while authorities determine the next steps in the case.
