ICE Criticizes Maryland Sanctuary County After Alleged Murderer Released Despite Detainer Request

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has reprimanded Prince George’s County, Maryland, for releasing an illegal immigrant accused of murder despite an active immigration detainer. RENE POP-CHUB, a 32-year-old Guatemalan national, was arrested by ICE in Hyattsville, Maryland, on Saturday, just days after being released by the Prince George’s County Department of Corrections (PGCDC).

Pop-Chub is facing serious charges, including murder, second-degree assault, and reckless endangerment. ICE officials confirmed that the PGCDC failed to honor its detainer request, allowing Pop-Chub to re-enter the community.

“When jurisdictions refuse to honor our immigration detainers, they put their own communities at risk — as was the case here, where a dangerous illegal alien charged with murder and assault was released back onto the streets,” said NIKITA BAKER, Acting Field Office Director of ICE Baltimore, in a written statement.

ICE emphasized the critical role of its officers in apprehending Pop-Chub. “Thanks to the unwavering dedication and tireless efforts of our officers, this individual has been taken back into custody,” Baker added. “Their work ensures that he will now face justice and will no longer pose a threat to public safety in Maryland.”

Pop-Chub has a history of illegal immigration, having been deported to Guatemala in 2017 and 2023 after unlawfully entering the U.S. It remains unclear when and where he re-entered the country for the third time.

Authorities initially arrested Pop-Chub on August 19, 2024, when the Prince George’s County Police Department charged him with first-degree assault. ICE Baltimore lodged an immigration detainer with the PGCDC on October 9, 2024. Later that month, the District Court for Prince George’s County forwarded his case to the Circuit Court for charges including murder, first-degree assault, second-degree assault, and reckless endangerment.

Despite ICE’s request, the PGCDC released Pop-Chub on April 8, 2024. Following his arrest on Saturday, Pop-Chub was transferred to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.

This incident underscores ongoing tensions between federal immigration authorities and sanctuary jurisdictions, raising concerns about public safety and the enforcement of immigration laws.

**Sources**:
https://www.ice.gov/
https://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/