Belizeans With Serious Criminal Convictions Arrested in U.S. ICE Crackdown

The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has identified and arrested multiple Belizean nationals as part of its ongoing “Worst of the Worst” enforcement campaign being carried out by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).  According to DHS, the initiative targets undocumented immigrants convicted of serious crimes, as federal authorities work to fulfill President Donald Trump’s renewed commitment to prioritizing the deportation of violent and repeat criminal offenders. Under the leadership of DHS Under Secretary Kristi Noem, ICE officers across several states have been executing arrests described by the department as focused on individuals who pose significant risks to public safety.  Among Belizean nationals listed by DHS as arrested under the program are Nestor Alberto Castillo, arrested in Sturtevant, Wisconsin, convicted of carrying a concealed weapon, trespassing, larceny, and bail violations; Jomo Avila, arrested in Van Nuys, California, convicted of sex assault, aggravated assault involving a family member, failure to register as a sex offender, molestation of a minor, and child sex offenses; Akeem Garnett, arrested in Soledad, California, convicted of domestic violence, residential burglary, and illegal re-entry into the United States; Aaron Sabal, arrested in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, convicted of possession of a weapon; Marlon William Bell, arrested in San Pedro, California, convicted of assault, cruelty toward his wife, domestic violence, and aggravated assault involving a firearm; Carlos Gomez, arrested in Wickliffe, Kentucky, convicted of aggravated assault related to a family incident and other crimes against persons; Francis Flowers, arrested in Yazoo City, Mississippi, convicted of assault, robbery, battery, and illegal re-entry; Shane Arnold, arrested in Lompoc, California, convicted of carrying a concealed weapon and drug trafficking; Winston Knight, arrested in Chesapeake, Virginia, convicted of assault and drug possession; Kimala Henry, arrested in Los Angeles, California, convicted of drug trafficking and possession with intent to sell marijuana; Ashley Rivers, arrested in Miramar, Florida, convicted of larceny and drug possession; Lindon Flowers, arrested in Hawthorne, California, convicted of terroristic threats and extortion involving threats to cause injury; and Theodore Reneau, arrested in Butner, North Carolina, convicted of aggravated assault involving a weapon and illegal re-entry into the United States.  These arrests have been conducted over the past five years with all men paying the price prior to eventual deportation. DHS emphasized that these arrests are part of a nationality-agnostic enforcement campaign, focused solely on individuals with serious criminal records who are deemed public safety threats. Officials say deportation proceedings are now underway for the Belizean nationals listed, in accordance with U.S. immigration law.  While U.S. authorities have not commented publicly on coordination with the Government of Belize regarding the repatriation process, under existing bilateral agreements, Belize is obligated to accept the return of its nationals following completion of deportation procedures./////////