ICE Arrests Two Men After Maryland Jail Ignored Detainers
A Maryland county jail released two men — ignoring ICE detainers — and ICE agents had to arrest them on public streets weeks later. Both men are now in federal custody facing removal proceedings. The case is a sharp reminder that local sanctuary policies do not end an immigration case.
Prince George's County Detention Center in Maryland dismissed criminal charges against two men and released them — despite active ICE detainers — forcing federal agents to arrest them on public streets in Upper Marlboro on July 9, 2026. ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Baltimore confirmed both men are now in federal custody and face removal proceedings.
The two men are Yeferson Jose Canamo-Jordan, 28, a Venezuelan national whom ICE describes as a suspected Tren de Aragua gang member, and Felipe Fernando Reymundo, 23, a Guatemalan national. ICE says Canamo-Jordan entered the U.S. in August 2022 and was paroled by Border Patrol. He was later convicted of driving without a valid license and recently charged with assault. Reymundo entered the U.S. without inspection and has a record of arrests since 2025 on charges including arson, malicious destruction of property, trespassing, and motor vehicle theft. Both were arrested during lawful vehicle stops after the county jail released them.
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ERO Washington Field Office Director Robert Guadian said the county's refusal to honor detainers left ICE no choice but to make arrests in the community rather than inside the jail. "Sanctuary policies continue to disregard U.S. immigration law and put communities at risk," Guadian said in the August 6 statement. ICE said it will continue lodging immigration detainers whenever probable cause for removal exists, regardless of local sanctuary policies.
What This Means If You Have an ICE Detainer
An ICE detainer (also called a "hold") is a written request from ICE asking a jail or prison to keep someone for up to 48 extra hours so ICE can take custody. Some counties — including Prince George's — choose not to honor these requests. But ignoring a detainer does not make an immigration case go away. ICE can still arrest you after release, as this case shows. Once in ICE custody, a person enters removal proceedings — the formal court process to decide whether they will be deported.
What to Do
- If you or a family member has an ICE detainer, contact an immigration lawyer immediately. A lawyer can review whether the detainer was issued correctly and whether you qualify for bond at an immigration bond hearing.
- If ICE arrests you, you have the right to remain silent and the right to speak with an attorney. Do not sign any documents without legal advice — signing certain forms can waive your right to appear before an immigration judge.
- Ask about your removal proceedings. Once in ICE custody, you should receive a Notice to Appear (NTA) — the document that starts your immigration court case. Keep all court dates. Missing a hearing can result in an order of removal issued in your absence.
- If you believe you qualify for asylum, withholding of removal, or another form of relief, tell your attorney as soon as possible. Deadlines in immigration court move fast.
Related: our step-by-step guide — “Bond Hearing: How to Get Released”.
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An ICE detainer is a civil request, not a criminal warrant, but its consequences are very real — it can trigger removal proceedings the moment you leave local custody, or even before. If you are in a county that does not honor detainers, ICE can still locate and arrest you in the community, as this case shows. Anyone who receives a detainer should immediately request a bond hearing before an immigration judge and explore all available defenses, including asylum or cancellation of removal — consult a licensed immigration attorney before signing anything ICE presents to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an ICE detainer and can a jail ignore it?
An ICE detainer is a written request asking a local jail to hold someone for up to 48 extra hours so ICE can take custody. Some counties — called sanctuary jurisdictions — choose not to honor these requests. But ignoring a detainer does not cancel an immigration case. ICE can still arrest the person after release, as happened in this Maryland case.
What happens after ICE arrests someone in the community?
ICE will place the person in detention and begin removal proceedings — the formal immigration court process. The person should receive a Notice to Appear (NTA), which lists the charges and the court date. They have the right to hire an attorney (at their own cost) and to appear before an immigration judge.
Can I get out of ICE detention while my case is pending?
Possibly. You can request a bond hearing before an immigration judge. The judge will decide whether to set a bond amount and how much it will be. Not everyone qualifies — people with certain criminal records or who are considered a flight risk may be denied bond. An immigration lawyer can help you prepare for this hearing.
Does living in a sanctuary city protect me from deportation?
No. Sanctuary policies limit how much local police cooperate with ICE, but they do not stop ICE from making arrests. Federal immigration law still applies everywhere in the U.S. ICE can — and does — conduct arrests in public places, including during traffic stops, as this case shows.