BALTIMORE – U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has arrested Alex Yonatan Flores-Arce, a 20-year-old Honduran national, after local authorities released him from custody despite his criminal record and immigration status. Flores was convicted of second-degree rape in Maryland, yet the Howard County Detention Center released him twice, ignoring immigration detainers issued by ICE.
Background of the Case
Flores first entered the U.S. illegally and was encountered by U.S. Border Patrol near El Paso, Texas, on March 12, 2019. He was given a notice to appear in immigration court but remained in the country.
Later, on October 17, 2024, Flores was arrested by the Howard County Police Department and charged with second-degree rape. On April 29, the Circuit Court for Howard County found him guilty, sentencing him to 15 years in prison, with five years of supervised probation.
Failure to Honor ICE Detainer
On January 13, ICE filed an immigration detainer with the Howard County Department of Corrections, asking them to hold Flores until ICE could take custody. Despite this, on May 5, the detention center released him. Just three days later, Flores was re-arrested by local police for violating his probation.
Once again, he was held at the detention center — but upon release, ICE Baltimore’s Fugitive Operations Team arrested him outside the facility on May 22. He now remains in ICE custody, and officials confirmed that he has a final administrative removal order, meaning he will be deported.
ICE’s Response
ICE Baltimore’s acting Field Office Director, Nikita Baker, criticized Howard County’s actions, saying:
“The decision by Howard County Detention Center to ignore our immigration detainer and release a removable individual with an egregious criminal history undermines public safety and puts Maryland communities at risk. This failure is not an isolated incident, but part of a concerning pattern we see all too often.”
Baker emphasized that collaboration between ICE and local law enforcement is critical to ensuring community safety and upholding the law.
Public Involvement
ICE encourages the public to report any suspicious activity or crimes involving immigration violations. Reports can be made by calling 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or by filling out the online tip form.
This case shines a light on the growing tension between federal immigration enforcement and local detention facilities that choose not to cooperate. Despite a serious conviction and a removal order, Flores was released back into the community multiple times, raising questions about public safety and policy gaps. ICE’s arrest of Flores highlights the agency’s ongoing efforts to enforce immigration law and protect U.S. communities from individuals with dangerous criminal backgrounds.
