The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has taken action against three Venezuelan immigrants charged with murder in Texas.
According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), these individuals—Josgar Aponte Jimenez, Jose Torivino Cruz, and Jesus Bellolyn Guzman—are linked to the shooting death of 48-year-old Santiago Lopez Morales, which occurred on June 20 at a Motel 6 in Garland.
Tricia McLaughlin, Deputy Director of DHS, stated, “Three unlawfully present individuals from Venezuela, under the Biden administration, have been released into the U.S. and now face capital murder and robbery charges after a fatal shooting in a Dallas County motel.” She emphasized the critical role of ICE in addressing such crimes, asserting that “these dangerous criminals do not belong in our communities.”
Local news reports mention that investigators believe the incident was tied to a robbery at a nearby motel just a mile away. In that case, a victim recounted how two Hispanic men forced their way inside her room, assaulting her and stealing her belongings. According to KDFW, police records indicate that one of the suspects later confessed to having carried out over 25 robberies, targeting mainly prostitutes who he thought would be reluctant to report crimes.
The bail amounts for these individuals were set at $1.5 million for Jimenez, $2.25 million for Bellolyn Guzman, and $3.25 million for Torivino Cruz.
The DHS highlighted that Jimenez crossed the border illegally on May 3, 2023, and was subsequently released into the U.S. It was noted that Torivino Cruz was also released under the Biden administration following an interaction with the CBP One app on October 9, 2024.
In addition, DHS reported that Guzman had illegally entered the U.S. via the same app on January 6, 2025, also being released under the current administration.
