ICE arrests convicted rapist after local jurisdiction fails to honor immigration detainer

BALTIMORE — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested an illegally present, 20-year-old Honduran national convicted of second-degree rape in Maryland. Officers with ICE Baltimore arrested Alex Yonatan Flores-Arce, May 22 after the Howard County Detention Center failed to honor an ICE immigration detainer and released Flores back into the community on two separate occasions.

“The decision by Howard County Detention Center to ignore our immigration detainer and release a removable individual with an egregious criminal history undermines public safety and put Maryland communities at risk,” said ICE Baltimore acting Field Office Director Nikita Baker. “This failure is not an isolated incident, but part of a concerning pattern we see all too often. ICE Baltimore remains committed to prioritizing public safety. Working together with local jurisdictions is the only way to keep our neighborhoods safe and uphold the rule of law.”

On March 12, 2019, the U.S. Border Patrol encountered Flores near El Paso, Texas, and served him a notice to appear.

The Howard County Police Department arrested and charged Flores with second-degree rape Oct.17, 2024. The Circuit Court for Howard County convicted Flores April 29 and sentenced him to 15 years of confinement and five years of supervised probation.

ICE lodged an immigration detainer on Flores with Howard County Department of Corrections Jan. 13. On May 5, the department failed to honor the immigration detainer and released Flores from custody.

The Howard County Police Department arrested and charged Flores with a violation of probation May 8.

ICE Baltimore’s Fugitive Operations team arrested Flores at large as he walked out of the detention center. Flores has a final administrative removal order and will remain in ICE custody.

Members of the public can report crimes and suspicious activity by dialing 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or completing the online tip form.

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