ICE Arrests Alleged Tren de Aragua Member in Buffalo After Detainer Ignored
A Venezuelan man accused of being a member of the Tren de Aragua gang walked free after local police ignored an ICE detainer — then was arrested months later in a federal operation. The case is now drawing national attention to so-called sanctuary policies and what happens when local and federal authorities disagree. For immigrants in removal proceedings, this story shows how quickly a situation can escalate.
What Happened in Buffalo
On May 24, 2026, ICE officers from the Buffalo Fugitive Operations Team and U.S. Marshals arrested Jairo Antonio Molina Moron, 38, during a targeted operation in Albion, New York. ICE says Molina is a Venezuelan national living in the US without legal status and a suspected member of Tren de Aragua — a transnational criminal organization that the US government has designated as a terrorist group. He currently faces local felony charges for assault with intent to cause physical injury using a weapon.
Molina entered the US in 2023 under a humanitarian parole program. He was arrested by the New York City Police Department in December 2024 for assault, but those charges were dropped. In February 2025, the Yonkers Police Department arrested him again — this time for felony assault with a weapon. ICE placed an immigration detainer (a formal request asking local jail officials to hold a person so ICE can take custody) after that second arrest. Local authorities refused to honor it and released Molina back into the community. ICE then launched a separate operation to find and arrest him.
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Philip Rhoney, acting Field Office Director for ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations in New York, said his agency will not stop pursuing criminal gang members in the state. U.S. Marshal Charles Salina praised the teamwork between ICE and federal partners. Molina is now in ICE custody and is waiting for immigration court proceedings to begin.
What This Means for Immigrants in Removal Proceedings
This case highlights a key tension in US immigration enforcement: local governments can choose not to cooperate with ICE detainers, but federal agencies can still arrest people through independent operations. If you or someone you know is in removal proceedings (the legal process where a judge decides whether someone must leave the US), it is important to understand your rights and act quickly. Missing a court date or ignoring legal deadlines can lead to a deportation order issued without you present.
What to Do
- If ICE contacts you or your family: You have the right to remain silent. Do not sign any documents without speaking to an immigration lawyer first.
- If you are in removal proceedings: Attend every immigration court hearing. Missing a hearing can result in an automatic removal order against you.
- If you receive an immigration detainer notice: Contact an immigration attorney immediately. Lawyers say you may have options to challenge detention or request a bond hearing before an immigration judge.
- If you are undocumented and have pending criminal charges: A criminal case can trigger immigration enforcement. Ask a lawyer how your criminal case may affect your immigration status before it is resolved.
A full breakdown of this topic — in our guide “Bond Hearing: How to Get Released”.
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Anyone with a prior arrest record — even charges that were dropped — is at higher risk of being targeted in a federal fugitive operation. If you are undocumented and have any criminal history, you should consult an immigration attorney now, before ICE comes to your door. An attorney can review whether you qualify for any form of relief, such as asylum or cancellation of removal, and help you prepare for a bond hearing if you are detained. Do not wait for an arrest to get legal help.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an immigration detainer and can local police ignore it?
An immigration detainer is a written request from ICE asking a local jail or police department to hold a person for up to 48 extra hours so ICE can take custody. Some cities and counties — often called 'sanctuary' jurisdictions — choose not to honor these requests. However, ICE can still arrest that person later through its own operations, as happened in this case.
What happens if I miss my immigration court hearing?
If you miss a scheduled immigration court hearing (called a 'removal hearing'), the judge can issue a removal order in your absence. This is called an 'in absentia' order. You may be able to file a motion to reopen your case, but you must do so within 90 days of the order. Missing court dates makes your situation much harder to fix.
Can dropped criminal charges still affect my immigration case?
Yes. Even if criminal charges are dropped, the arrest record can still appear in immigration databases and may be used by ICE to justify enforcement action. Immigration lawyers strongly recommend disclosing any past arrests to your attorney so they can prepare a proper defense.
What is Tren de Aragua and why does it matter for immigration cases?
Tren de Aragua is a Venezuelan criminal organization that the US government has designated as a transnational terrorist organization. Being accused of membership — even without a conviction — can be used by ICE as a reason to detain someone and push for deportation. If you are accused of gang membership, you need an immigration attorney immediately.