BALTIMORE, MD—An undocumented Guatemalan national with criminal charges was arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on Feb. 1, after being released from the Prince George’s County Department of Corrections.

Gener Pop-Cuz, 20, was initially arrested by the Laurel Police Department on Feb. 1 for possession of a loaded handgun, illegal possession of ammunition, possession of a firearm, and trespassing on private property. The Prince George’s County Commissioner’s Office released him on bond that day.

ICE had previously lodged an immigration detainer with the Prince George’s County Department of Corrections in Upper Marlboro, but the corrections department released Pop into the lobby instead of transferring him to ICE custody. Despite initial resistance, Pop was subdued and handcuffed as corrections officers failed to intervene.

“Nobody wins when jurisdictions fail to transfer custody of violent offenders,” said ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Baltimore acting Field Office Director Matthew Elliston. “Cooperation between local law enforcement and ICE is critical to ensuring the safety of our officers, the public, and even the criminal aliens in custody. I strongly encourage our local jurisdictions to evaluate their policies and look forward to the day when we can put aside politics and do what’s best for the people of Maryland.”

Pop’s immigration history includes an encounter with the U.S. Border Patrol near Rio Grande Valley, Texas, on Nov. 13, 2017. He was served a notice to appear and transferred to ICE custody. ICE released Pop on recognizance on November 15, 2017. A Department of Justice judge ordered Pop’s removal to Guatemala after he missed his immigration hearing on November 16, 2022.

ICE will detain Pop pending removal. Detainers prioritize enforcement resources on removable noncitizens arrested for criminal activity, making them critical public safety tools. They increase safety for ERO personnel, law enforcement officials, noncitizens to be removed, and the public by allowing arrests in a secure, controlled setting instead of in the community.

Members of the public can report crimes and suspicious activity by dialing 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or completing the online tip form.

This article was written with the assistance of AI and reviewed by a human editor.

Photo via ICE Baltimore