Federal agents deport Mexican national following completion of 10-year sentence
Bridgeton, NJ – A man convicted of attempted murder in New Jersey has been deported by federal immigration authorities just days after his release from state prison, according to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Instead of being turned over to federal agents upon his release, the man was set free under New Jersey’s immigrant trust directive which prohibits state law enforcement to coordinate and communicate with the federal agency.
Officials said Cuatla Torres had been serving time for criminal attempted murder before being transferred to ICE custody upon release. He was deported within two days, according to the agency.
Transfer from state custody to ICE
ICE stated that the removal followed coordination between state corrections officials and federal immigration authorities. The agency routinely takes custody of non-citizens with qualifying convictions upon their release from incarceration.
No additional details about the underlying case or location of the original offense were included in the agency’s statement.
Key Points
- ICE Newark deported Alejandro Cuatla Torres on March 10
- He had just completed a 10-year sentence for attempted murder
- Removal occurred within two days of release from South Woods State Prison
Enforcement actions continue across New Jersey
Federal immigration authorities continue to carry out removals involving individuals with prior criminal convictions following their release from state facilities. ICE has not indicated whether additional enforcement actions tied to similar cases are pending.