The man arrested last week for possessing a machete and knife outside the U.S. Capitol is an undocumented immigrant from Venezuela who was previously released from custody by federal border officials.
Jose Leonardo Marquez, 23, was arrested by U.S. Capitol Police on the afternoon of December 26th after illegally entering the United States.
according to press release From the USCP, officers observed Marquez's “strange behavior” and approached him.
The officer spoke with Marquez and noticed he had a brick in his pocket, and the man threw the brick aside at the officer's request, the department said.
Migration negotiations between the U.S. and Mexico also included the benefit of “controlling” illegal immigrants living in the U.S.
In recent years, members of Congress and Capitol Police officers have been at the center of violent attacks on the streets of Washington, D.C., ranging from armed robberies to carjackings. (Nicholas Kamm/AFP via Getty Images)
The machete used to injure three New York police officers during an attack in Times Square, New York, on January 1, 2023. (New York City Police Department/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)
Marquez complied, then pulled out a knife and placed it on a shelf in the Capitol.
Officials said guards also noticed a handle under the man's clothing. After calling for backup, Secretariat pulled out a gun and ordered Marquez to put his hands up.
Authorities found the machete and immediately arrested him.
March 29, 2023: Border Patrol agents encounter more than 1,000 migrants in El Paso, Texas (Customs and Border Security)
He was charged with carrying a dangerous weapon and possessing a prohibited weapon.
According to the Immigration Bureau According to Customs Enforcement (ICE), Marquez entered the United States via El Paso, Texas, on an unknown date, but was arrested by officers on August 21, 2022.
Biden talks amnesty with Mexico; number of border crossings breaks monthly record in December
ICE said Border Patrol released him from custody “due to lack of detention capacity” and enrolled him in a tracking program known as Alternatives to Detention.
Mr. Marquez reported to ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Washington, DC on October 5, 2023.
Marquez is currently being held at ICE ERO Washington, D.C., the agency said.
A Capitol Police officer poses for a photo at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial. (FOX News Digital/John Michael Raasch)
Patrick Dever, acting director of ERO's Washington, D.C., field office, said Marquez posed a “grave threat” to people around the U.S. Capitol.
Jose Leonardo Marquez-Marquez posed a serious threat to those in and around the U.S. Capitol.
“Jose Leonardo Marquez-Marquez posed a grave threat to those in and around the U.S. Capitol,” Dever said. “Thanks to our law enforcement partners at the U.S. Capitol Police, this threat was quickly mitigated. Fortunately, Marquez is currently in ERO custody and will face deportation proceedings.”
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Fox News reported this week that the number of migrants at the southern border exceeded 300,000 in December, setting an all-time record for encounters.
According to the agency, ICE made approximately 3,000 criminal arrests in fiscal year 2023.
