ICE Deports Murder Suspect From New York to Guyana
You entered the US legally, but a criminal warrant in your home country followed you here — and ICE found out. That is exactly what happened to Kanand Ojha, a 45-year-old Guyanese national who entered the US through JFK Airport in July 2015. ICE removed him to Guyana on September 18, 2026, after he spent over a year in custody following his arrest by federal marshals.
What Happened
Kanand Ojha arrived at John F. Kennedy International Airport on July 22, 2015 — just days after he is alleged to have murdered Nephi Noel in Georgetown, Guyana, on July 15, 2015. His legal status in the US was revoked only five days after he landed, on July 27, 2015, because Guyanese authorities had issued an outstanding arrest warrant against him. He remained in the US for years before federal agents caught up with him.
Members of the US Marshals Service's New York/New Jersey Regional Fugitive Task Force arrested Ojha on September 8, 2025, in Long Island City, New York. That task force includes personnel from the US Marshals Service, ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO), and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). ICE's New York City Field Office Director Kenneth Genalo stated that Ojha's alleged accomplice, Ron "Andel" Forde, was tried in Guyana in June 2017 and sentenced to 20 years in prison after pleading to a lesser charge of manslaughter.
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Why This Case Matters for Immigrants
This case shows how ICE coordinates with foreign governments and US law enforcement to track individuals with outstanding warrants abroad — even when those warrants are years old. If your home country has issued a warrant for your arrest, that information can reach US immigration authorities and result in the revocation of your legal status, detention, and removal proceedings. A lawful entry does not protect you if a foreign criminal warrant surfaces after you arrive.
What to Do If You Are in Removal Proceedings
- If ICE arrests you, you have the right to remain silent and the right to speak with an attorney before answering questions. Exercise both rights immediately.
- Ask about a bond hearing (a court proceeding where a judge decides whether you can be released while your case continues). You generally have 30 days to appeal an order of removal.
- If you believe you face persecution or danger in your home country, tell your attorney — you may qualify to apply for asylum or other protection, such as withholding of removal.
- Contact an immigration lawyer as soon as possible. Free or low-cost legal help is available through nonprofit organizations in most major US cities.
Related: our step-by-step guide — “Your Rights During an ICE Encounter”.
Fishkin Law Firm, New York
When a foreign government issues a warrant against someone already in the US, that information can be shared with DHS and used to revoke lawful status almost immediately — as this case shows. If you have any unresolved legal issues in your home country, disclose them to an immigration attorney before they surface on their own, because proactive disclosure gives you more options. An attorney can assess whether you qualify for asylum, withholding of removal, or other protections that could halt deportation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can ICE revoke my legal status because of a warrant in another country?
Yes. If a foreign government issues an arrest warrant against you, US immigration authorities can use that information to revoke your lawful status, even if you entered the US legally. This can happen very quickly — in Ojha's case, his status was revoked just five days after he arrived.
What happens if ICE arrests me? What are my rights?
You have the right to remain silent and the right to speak with an attorney. Do not answer questions about your immigration status or background without a lawyer present. You may also request a bond hearing, where an immigration judge decides whether you can be released while your removal case proceeds.
How long do I have to appeal a deportation order?
You have 30 days from the date of an order of removal to file an appeal with the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA). Missing this deadline can make the order final, so contact an attorney immediately if you receive a removal order.
Can I apply for asylum if I am afraid to return to my home country?
Possibly. Even if you are in removal proceedings, you may be able to apply for asylum or withholding of removal if you fear persecution in your home country. Tell your attorney about any dangers you face — they can evaluate which protections may apply to your situation.