The illegal immigrants that were deported, who were described as having no criminal history, were actually charged with various offenses, including possession of loaded firearms near schools, according to official records.
On February 25th, New York police apprehended 19-year-old Merwil Gutierrez Flores on multiple felony and misdemeanor charges. This information comes from a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) document acquired by the Daily Caller News Foundation. After his incarceration in El Salvador, Gutierrez Flores became the subject of sympathetic media coverage, with his family asserting that he had never faced any criminal accusations.
The report indicates that Gutierrez Flores, originally from Venezuela, faced charges related to carrying a loaded firearm on school premises, criminal possession of stolen property, and unlawful possession of ammunition. A day later, the FBI notified Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) about his case.
The DHS document also mentions connections to a group termed “Rich Venezuelan Gang Tren Delagua.” On March 15, authorities deported Gutierrez Flores to a facility dubbed a “terrorist confinement center” in El Salvador.
Officials stated, “Melwill Alberto Gutierrez Flores was deported to CECOT as he was a member of the foreign terrorist organization Tren de Aragua. The Biden administration released this dangerous individual into our communities in 2023. President Trump and his secretary Kristi Noem have been taking action against such criminals.”
In response, a representative stated, “When Americans break the law, they face consequences. Now, criminal aliens and gangs are finally being held accountable.”
The legal team representing Gutierrez Flores had not responded to requests for comment. There were assertions that he wasn’t the primary target of the ICE investigation leading to his arrest. Media sources noted that his arrest records were initially unavailable, but he had claimed no previous criminal history.
One article described him as a victim of circumstances, stating that Gutierrez Flores was just “in the wrong place at the wrong time.” His attorney mentioned that ICE wasn’t actively searching for him and there was no proof linking him to any specific gang.
Deporting individuals allegedly tied to Tren de Aragua has become a top priority for immigration officers. Following Trump’s presidency, cooperation increased with nations viewed as bearing significant security threats.
Gutierrez Flores and his father reportedly crossed the border illegally and sought asylum in 2023. Advocates from the Trump administration have claimed his situation exemplifies issues in the previous administration’s immigration policies.
A DHS statement pointed out the challenges within the immigration system, indicating that this individual was permitted to reside in the U.S. and pose risks to the community until his scheduled immigration hearing in 2027.
