ICE Arrests Man Wanted for Murder in Honduras: Removal Proceedings
A routine traffic stop in Eatontown, New Jersey turned into an international fugitive arrest. ICE officers pulled over a vehicle and discovered one passenger was wanted for murder in Honduras. Now he sits in ICE custody, facing removal proceedings — and his case is a reminder of how quickly an immigration stop can change everything.
ICE Stops Vehicle in New Jersey, Finds Fugitive Wanted for Homicide
On April 20, 2026, ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) officers in Newark, New Jersey stopped a vehicle in Eatontown as part of a targeted enforcement action. One of the passengers was Fredy Alexander Lopez Lara. Officers arrested him because he was in the United States without legal status — meaning he had entered without being inspected, admitted, or paroled by an immigration officer.
After running system checks, officers found that Lopez Lara has an active arrest warrant from Honduras for murder. ICE is now holding him in custody while his case moves through removal proceedings — the official legal process that decides whether a person will be deported (removed) from the United States.
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Arthur J. Wilson Jr., the acting Field Office Director for ERO Newark, said ICE works with law enforcement partners around the world to make sure people wanted for violent crimes cannot avoid prosecution by coming to the US illegally. Lopez Lara's case is an example of how routine immigration stops can uncover outstanding criminal warrants from other countries.
What This Means for People in Removal Proceedings
If you or someone you know is placed in removal proceedings, the clock starts immediately. You have 30 days to appeal an order of removal. Missing that deadline can make it much harder to fight deportation. People in this situation have the right to hire an immigration lawyer — though the government does not provide one for free in immigration cases.
What to Do
- Know your deadlines. If you receive an order of removal, you have 30 days to file an appeal. Do not wait.
- Contact an immigration lawyer immediately. Lawyers who handle removal proceedings can review your case and explain your options, including whether you qualify for asylum or other relief.
- Do not ignore court notices. Missing an immigration court hearing can result in an automatic order of removal against you.
- If you have information about a crime, you can report it to ICE by calling 866-347-2423 or using their online tip form — this is separate from your own immigration case.
What to do, step by step — see our guide “Appealing to the BIA”.
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When someone is arrested by ICE and placed in removal proceedings, they still have the right to a hearing before an immigration judge — even if they entered the country without authorization. If there is a criminal warrant from another country, that can complicate the case significantly, including affecting eligibility for bond or asylum. Anyone in this situation should consult an immigration attorney before their first court appearance, as early legal representation can make a real difference in the outcome.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are removal proceedings?
Removal proceedings are the legal process the US government uses to decide whether to deport someone. A person appears before an immigration judge, who reviews the case and makes a decision. You have the right to hire a lawyer, but the government does not pay for one.
Can ICE arrest me during a regular traffic stop?
Yes. If ICE officers are present during a traffic stop and determine you are in the US without legal status, they can arrest you. This can happen even if the original stop had nothing to do with immigration.
How long do I have to appeal a deportation order?
You have 30 days from the date of the order of removal to file an appeal. Missing this deadline makes it much harder to fight deportation, so acting quickly is critical.
Does a criminal warrant from another country affect my immigration case?
It can. A foreign criminal warrant — especially for a violent crime like murder — may affect whether you qualify for bond, asylum, or other forms of immigration relief. An immigration lawyer can review the specific details of your situation.