ICE arrests fugitive wanted for illegal possession, sale of firearms

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – A Cataño, Puerto Rico, fugitive made his initial appearance in federal court Tuesday morning following his arrest by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agents for the illegal possession of firearms.

Jose Hernandez-Santana, 37, at-large since April 5, was one of 11 individuals indicted for selling illegal firearms and arrested during a multi-agency takedown in several municipalities of Puerto Rico.

During the month of March, various federal grand juries indicted 11 individuals in five different indictments and one complaint as a result of investigations conducted in collaboration between HSI, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the Puerto Rico Police Department (PRPD), for violating federal firearms laws. Ten individuals were arrested as a result of the HSI-led operation, but Hernandez-Santana remained at-large.

According to the indictment, Hernandez-Santana is charged as a felon in possession of a firearm who allegedly sold, along with other defendants, two 9 caliber Glock pistols, an AK-47 assault rifle, a .45 caliber Smith and Wesson pistol, a Herstal FN pistol and a .45 caliber Colt Double Eagle.

Hernandez-Santana is in federal custody at the Guaynabo, Puerto Rico, Metropolitan Detention Center awaiting the outcome of his case.

ICE encourages the public to report suspected weapons and narcotics smuggling and related information by calling at 1-866-DHS-2ICE. For more information, visit www.ice.gov.