ICE Deports Mexican Murder Suspect After 20 Years on the Run

• Mexican Fugitive Deported After 20 Years on the Run
• ICE Carries Out Deportation in Laredo
• Suspect Accused of Homicide in Hidalgo

According to ICE, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement deported Jesús Vázquez Daniel on May 22. The 59-year-old Mexican national had been a fugitive since 2004, wanted for homicide in the state of Hidalgo.

Vázquez was arrested earlier this year in Hillsboro, Texas, after a joint investigation by multiple federal and local agencies.

Authorities allege that he murdered a fellow Mexican citizen on October 1, 2004.

He had been evading justice ever since.

ICE Deports Murder Suspect From Texas

ICE stated that Vázquez had entered the United States illegally at an unknown time and location.

He had no record of inspection, lawful admission, or parole into the country.

The case resurfaced in July 2024 when the Dallas Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) office alerted its counterpart in Houston about a possible location for the fugitive.

Investigators suspected that Vázquez was living in the Hillsboro area, north of Texas.

Investigation Leads to Arrest in Hillsboro

ERO officers based in Waco, part of the Houston office, launched a probe to confirm his whereabouts.

They verified that Vázquez resided in the region and that there was an active arrest warrant issued by Mexican authorities.

The joint operation to capture him took place on February 2, 2025.

ICE, the Hill County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) participated in the arrest.

Deportation Closes Longstanding Investigation

Vázquez was apprehended without incident and transferred to the Montgomery Processing Center in Conroe, Texas.

There, formal deportation proceedings began.

On May 13, an immigration judge from the Department of Justice ordered his removal.

On May 22, ICE carried out the deportation through the Juárez-Lincoln Bridge Port of Entry in Laredo, Texas.

ICE Hands Over Murder Suspect to Mexican Authorities

He was turned over to Mexican officials to face pending criminal charges.

ICE officials highlighted the case as an example of effective interagency cooperation and long-term law enforcement commitment.

“For the last 20 years, this alleged murderer evaded authorities while the victim’s family waited patiently, praying for justice,” said Bret Bradford.

Bradford serves as Field Office Director for ICE in Houston.

Fugitive Delivered to Mexican Justice System

He praised the efforts of officers in both the Dallas and Houston offices who worked to capture and deport the suspect.

ICE emphasized that this action reflects its commitment to public safety and immigration law enforcement in southeastern Texas.

The agency continues active efforts to locate and remove individuals with criminal records or ties to serious offenses.

Cases like Vázquez’s demonstrate the importance of collaboration between ICE branches and other government agencies.

Justice After Two Decades

ICE has encouraged the public to stay informed about its actions through official channels like its X account, @EROHouston.

The deportation of Jesús Vázquez Daniel brings closure to a two-decade-long investigation.

It also represents a step toward justice for the victim’s family in Mexico.

Authorities have not disclosed further details about the original homicide in Hidalgo or the judicial proceedings Vázquez will face upon return.