ICE deports man wanted for assault, kidnapping of a minor

PHILADELPHIA — A Mexican national, wanted in his home country for assault and kidnapping of a minor, was deported Wednesday by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO).

Jorge Antonio Gonzalez-Lopez, 23, who had been residing in Philadelphia, was repatriated onboard a charter flight coordinated by ICE's Air Operations Unit and turned over to Mexican authorities at the Brownsville, Texas, port of entry.

He was arrested by ERO Philadelphia officers May 30 for being unlawfully in the United States. Interpol, on behalf of the Mexican government, had also issued a red notice for his arrest.

"Gonzalez-Lopez is a dangerous criminal alien who is an ICE priority for removal," said Thomas Decker, field office director for ERO Philadelphia. "Individuals who come to the United States illegally in order to flee their home country to avoid prosecution will be arrested and deported."

The deportation of Jorge Antonio Gonzalez-Lopez is another example of expanded bi-national cooperation to identify, arrest and repatriate Mexican fugitives who have fled to the United States to avoid prosecution. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Mexico works closely with the Mexican government as part of this effort. Many of the arrested individuals are charged with committing homicide or other violent crimes in Mexico.

Since Oct. 1, 2009, ERO has removed more than 645 foreign fugitives from the United States who were being sought in their native countries for serious crimes, including kidnapping, rape and murder.

ERO works with HSI's Office of International Affairs, foreign consular offices in the United States and Interpol to identify foreign fugitives illegally present in the country.