Charlotte, NC – Charlotte – Federal immigration agents have arrested Julio Cesar Xocop-Vicente, a Guatemalan national accused of killing a 15-year-old girl in a hit-and-run crash last November, an incident that has reignited debate over the city’s sanctuary policies and cooperation with federal authorities.
ICE announced the arrest on January 14, saying Xocop-Vicente struck 15-year-old Amber Paris on November 24, 2025, while speeding through a residential neighborhood and running a stop sign. Investigators said he fled the scene on foot, leaving the injured teen critically hurt. Paris was hospitalized in a medically induced coma and died on December 18, 2025.
Local police arrested Xocop-Vicente the next day and charged him with felony hit-and-run, reckless driving, and driving without a license. However, ICE officials said local courts released him on bond before federal agents could issue an immigration detainer. The driving without a license charge was later dismissed, despite his previous DUI conviction in 2023 and an earlier arrest for assault on a female.
“This is a tragedy that never should have happened,” said ICE Director Todd M. Lyons. “Sanctuary policies have real consequences, and this is one of them. My heart is with Amber’s family — and although nothing can ease the pain of losing a child, ICE will continue arresting and removing dangerous criminal illegal aliens so this doesn’t happen to another family.”
ICE said Xocop-Vicente’s release was permitted under local laws adopted by Charlotte officials who restrict cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. According to ICE, nearly 1,400 detainers have gone unhonored across North Carolina, allowing convicted offenders to return to the community.
Federal agents ultimately located and arrested Xocop-Vicente on January 12, 2026, as part of what they described as Operation Charlotte’s Web, a targeted enforcement effort focused on fugitives with serious criminal histories. He is now in ICE custody pending removal proceedings.
Key Points: ICE arrests Guatemalan national accused of killing 15-year-old girl in Charlotte hit-and-run – Charlotte
- Julio Cesar Xocop-Vicente, a Guatemalan national, was arrested by ICE after allegedly killing 15-year-old Amber Paris in a hit-and-run crash.
- He had prior arrests, including a DUI conviction, and was previously released under Charlotte’s sanctuary policies.
- ICE officials said the tragedy highlights risks posed by local governments that decline to honor immigration detainers.
