ICE Deports Two Homicide Fugitives From Houston to Mexico
ICE deported two men from Houston to Mexico on July 21, 2026 — both wanted for homicide by Mexican prosecutors. One of them had been encountered by ICE in 2024 but released under the enforcement priorities in place at the time. His removal happened less than two months after he finished a federal prison sentence.
ICE deported two men from Houston to Mexico on July 21, 2026 — both wanted for homicide by Mexican authorities. Agustin Morales-Renteria, 24, faced an arrest warrant for aggravated homicide issued in October 2021. Juan Becerra Ruiz, 24, was wanted for intentional homicide under a warrant issued in Querétaro, Mexico, in October 2022. Officers from ICE's Houston Field Office transferred both men across the Juarez-Lincoln Bridge in Laredo, Texas, where Mexican authorities took custody.
How Each Case Unfolded
Morales-Renteria first crossed the border illegally in September 2021 and was expelled the same day under Title 42 (a pandemic-era health rule that allowed rapid border expulsions). After the Mexican homicide warrant was issued, he re-entered the US illegally. ICE encountered him in December 2024 at a Missouri sheriff's office following his arrest on vehicle tampering and drug charges, but no immigration action was taken at that time under the enforcement priorities then in place. He was later convicted in November 2025 of being an undocumented person in possession of a firearm and sentenced to 18 months in federal prison. After serving that sentence, he was transferred to ICE custody in May 2026. An immigration judge ordered his removal on July 2, and ICE carried out that order on July 21.
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Becerra Ruiz entered the US at an unknown date. US Border Patrol learned of his homicide warrant and his location in the Houston area in May 2026. Agents detained him during a traffic stop in Spring, Texas, on June 4. An immigration judge ordered his removal on June 30, and ICE removed him on July 21 — less than seven weeks after his arrest.
What This Means for People in Removal Proceedings
Both cases show how quickly removal proceedings can move when ICE treats a case as a priority. Morales-Renteria's case also shows that a prior encounter with ICE — even one where no action was taken — can resurface later. If you or someone you know has had any contact with ICE, a prior arrest, or a criminal conviction, that history matters in immigration court. An immigration judge's removal order (the official court decision ordering someone to leave the US) can be appealed, but the deadline to appeal is 30 days from the date of the order.
What to Do
- If you receive a removal order from an immigration judge, you have 30 days to file an appeal with the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA). Missing this deadline almost always ends your ability to fight the order.
- If ICE detains you, you have the right to remain silent and the right to speak with a lawyer. Do not sign any documents before consulting an attorney.
- If you have a prior arrest or criminal conviction — even one that did not lead to deportation at the time — talk to an immigration lawyer now. Past encounters with law enforcement can be used in future removal proceedings.
- If you know of a foreign fugitive in the US, ICE accepts tips at 1-866-347-2423 or through its online tip form at ice.gov.
What to do, step by step — see our guide “Appealing to the BIA”.
Fishkin Law Firm, New York
Both cases illustrate a pattern attorneys see regularly: a prior ICE encounter with no action taken does not erase the record — it stays in the system and can trigger removal the moment enforcement priorities shift or a new criminal charge appears. If you have had any contact with ICE, CBP, or local law enforcement, an immigration attorney should review your file now, not after you receive a court date. Under 8 U.S.C. § 1229a, you have the right to be represented by counsel in removal proceedings at no expense to the government — meaning you can hire a lawyer, but the government will not pay for one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can ICE deport someone who was previously released without action?
Yes. A past encounter where ICE took no action does not protect you from future deportation. If enforcement priorities change, or if you are arrested again, ICE can reopen your case. Both men in this story had prior encounters before their final removal.
How long do I have to appeal a removal order?
You have 30 days from the date the immigration judge issues the removal order to file an appeal with the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA). Missing this deadline almost always means the order becomes final and ICE can carry it out.
Can a traffic stop lead to deportation?
Yes. Becerra Ruiz was detained by Border Patrol during a traffic stop in Spring, Texas, and was deported less than seven weeks later. If agents have reason to believe you are in the US without authorization, a routine stop can lead to detention and removal proceedings.
What rights do I have if ICE arrests me?
You have the right to remain silent. You have the right to speak with an immigration attorney before signing anything. You do not have to answer questions about your immigration status or country of origin without a lawyer present. Ask clearly: 'I want to speak to a lawyer.'