Honduran fugitive wanted for homicide released by court, arrested in Warwick

WARWICK, R.I. (WLNE) — An unlawfully present fugitive wanted for homicide in Honduras and charged with felony assault in Central Falls was arrested in Warwick late last month.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials said the 23-year-old man was arrested on Feb. 27 after being released from custody despite an active immigration detainer.

Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Boston filed an immigration detainer for the man’s custody with the Adult Correctional Institute in Cranston on Feb. 7, but he was released by the court, per authorities.

The Honduran national had been arrested by Central Falls police on Feb. 4 and was charged with domestic violence and a bail violation on a June 2023 arrest for felony assault with a weapon.

ICE officials said the man pleaded guilty to those charges in the 6th District Court in Providence, after which he was released despite the immigration detainer.

“It is very disturbing that, despite the serious charges this fugitive faces and the existence of an active immigration detainer filed for his custody, he was released by the court back into the community,” said ERO Boston Field Office Director Todd M. Lyons.

Authorities confirmed that the man was being sought for homicide by law enforcement in the city of El Progreso in Yoro, Honduras, adding that he first attempted to enter the United States unlawfully in January 2021.

The national was expelled under the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Title 42 emergency health order but illegally entered the country again later that year at an unknown location, per officials.

Authorities said the man will remain in ICE custody pending removal proceedings and a future hearing with the Justice Department’s Executive Office for Immigration Review.