Inside ICE: Volume 2, Issue 15

ICE Ends 20-Year Manhunt With Fugitive’s Arrest

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — A 20-year international manhunt ended in Los Angeles July 11 when ICE officers arrested one of Mexico’s most wanted fugitives.

Alfredo Rios Galeana, 51, was taken into custody without incident on immigration violations by members of ICE’s Los Angles Fugitive Operations Team, ending a nearly two decade international manhunt.

ICE was assisted by the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), the Regional Fugitive Task Force, the United States Marshals and Secret Service and the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Galeana, who had been living in Los Angeles under the alias Arturo Montoya, is featured on Mexico’s list of Most Wanted fugitives for his role in a series of bloody bank robberies that rocked Mexico City in the 1970s and 1980s.

Sought in Mexico on eight felony warrants, including charges of murder, kidnapping, and robbery, Rios had been at large since escape from prison in 1986.

Rios’ arrest came after DMV investigators received a tip on the fugitive’s whereabouts. According to DMV’s sources, he had undergone cosmetic surgery to alter his appearance. ICE verified Rios’ identity through fingerprints.

“Our borders will not be barriers to bringing violent criminals to justice,” said Norma Bonales, Acting Deputy Field Office Director for ICE Detention and Removal Operations in Los Angeles. “ICE is working with law enforcement partners locally and around the globe to take these fugitives off the streets.”

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Inside ICE is an e-newsletter produced by the ICE Office of Public Affairs to inform the public about the mission, operations and activities of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Please send comments and contributions to Russ Bergeron, Editor.

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