NEWARK, USA — US Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) removed a noncitizen Tuesday, who is wanted in the Dominican Republic on numerous felony charges, including homicide.
Pedro Juan Feliz, a citizen of the Dominican Republic with a final order of removal, is wanted by law enforcement authorities in Dominican Republic for armed robbery, homicide, intent to commit homicide, and illegal possession of a firearm. He has been removed from the US twice previously.
“This is a clear case where removal from the United States was warranted,” said John Tsoukaris, field office director of ERO Newark. “In addition to being wanted for homicide, attempted homicide, and armed robbery in the Dominican Republic, he has made several illegal reentries into the United States. Such an individual should be considered a dangerous individual in any community in which he lives.”
As a threat to public safety Feliz was considered an ICE enforcement priority.
On March 23, 2017, the United States Border Patrol (USBP) in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, arrested Feliz as he attempted entry to the United States without inspection, admission, or parole by an immigration officer. On May 2, 2017, ERO Miami removed Feliz to the Dominican Republic.
On August 7, 2017, he was again arrested by USBP in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, while attempting to illegally reenter the United States. On February 6, 2018, ERO New Orleans removed Feliz to the Dominican Republic.
Feliz subsequently illegally re-entered the United States on an unknown date and location.
On March 3, ERO Newark encountered Feliz while he was incarcerated at the Mercer County Correctional Facility (MCCF) in Trenton, New Jersey, and lodged an immigration detainer.
He was released to ERO Newark custody March 10, and escorted to the Dominican Republic Tuesday and turned over to Dominican authorities.
ICE is now implementing the interim civil immigration enforcement priorities directed by the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to focus its limited resources on threats to national security, border security, and public safety. ICE carries out its duty to enforce the laws of the United States in accordance with the department’s national security and public safety mission.
