A Mexican national wanted for murder in Mexico has been apprehended by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) near the southern border. This arrest highlights the ongoing efforts to enforce immigration laws and the difficulties of locating and detaining individuals with outstanding warrants from other countries.

Fugitive Apprehended in Arizona

Jose Gustavo Angulo Bernal, a Mexican citizen, was arrested outside a residence in Lake Havasu City, Arizona, last week. Despite having no prior criminal record in the United States, Angulo Bernal is wanted in the Mexican state of Sinaloa for homicide related to the 2018 murder of a woman.

Details of the Arrest

The arrest occurred during a targeted traffic stop involving a vehicle registered to Angulo Bernal. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) publicly referenced the case, referring to Angulo Bernal as “one of the Media’s ‘Non-Criminals.’” DHS emphasized that individuals wanted in foreign countries are not included in statistics tracking ICE arrests involving U.S. crimes.

DHS Emphasizes Public Safety Concerns

Acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis stated that while many ICE arrests involve individuals with U.S. criminal charges, the agency also apprehends significant public safety threats. Bis stated, “Jose Gustavo Angulo Bernal is a cold-blooded killer and an example of who the media often refer to as a ‘non-criminals,’ because they only have heinous convictions in their home country.”

The 2018 Murder in Sinaloa

According to DHS, Angulo Bernal is accused of participating in the murder of a woman alongside two other individuals in November 2018. The victim’s body was allegedly disposed of in El Tamarindo, Sinaloa, after the crime. Angulo Bernal then entered the U.S. undetected.

Surveillance and Arrest Details

On March 31, ICE officers conducting surveillance in Lake Havasu City observed Angulo Bernal entering his vehicle at approximately 5:50 a.m. A traffic stop was initiated, and his identity was confirmed using his Mexican identification. He was then arrested and transported to the ICE field office in Phoenix.

Ongoing Immigration Debate and Challenges

DHS officials have reaffirmed their commitment to deportation operations, despite facing funding challenges. A recent partial government shutdown, stemming from disagreements over ICE and Border Patrol enforcement, has complicated these efforts. Democrats have linked funding to changes in the agency’s policies. ICE continues to support other agencies, like the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), while prioritizing the removal of dangerous individuals.

Angulo Bernal will remain in ICE custody as his immigration proceedings continue. DHS stressed the importance of removing dangerous individuals, including foreign fugitives, gang members, and potential terrorists, from the United States.