ICE Detainers After Bronx Stabbing: What Removal Orders Mean
An off-duty NYPD detective was stabbed seven times in the Bronx on October 2, 2026. ICE says both suspects are Dominican nationals with existing immigration cases — one had an active removal order that New York City declined to enforce months earlier. The case puts a sharp spotlight on what immigration detainers and in absentia removal orders mean for immigrants across the country.
What if an immigration judge already ordered you removed — and you didn't show up to court? That is exactly the situation one of the two suspects in the Bronx stabbing case was in. An immigration judge ordered Sneider Mejia Bautista removed to the Dominican Republic in absentia (meaning he was not present) on May 8, 2025. ICE lodged a detainer against him after a weapon arrest in October 2025 — but New York City declined to honor it. Weeks later, he was arrested in connection with the stabbing of an off-duty NYPD detective.
What happened in the Bronx
On October 2, 2026, two men approached an off-duty New York City Police Department detective in the Norwood section of the Bronx, attempted to rob him, and stabbed him seven times when he fought back. The detective was hospitalized and is recovering. Both suspects fled on an e-bike and were arrested by local authorities on October 8. ICE New York City then lodged immigration detainers — formal requests asking local jails to hold a person so ICE can take custody — against both men.
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ICE identified the suspects as Dangelo Rafael Jean Caraballo and Sneider Mejia Bautista, both Dominican nationals. According to ICE, both entered the US without authorization through Arizona — Jean Caraballo in February 2023 and Mejia Bautista in December 2022. Both were released with a notice to appear (a document ordering someone to show up for immigration court). Jean Caraballo has a long arrest record in New York, including charges for weapon possession and reckless endangerment. Mejia Bautista had an existing removal order issued in absentia before the October 2025 weapon arrest that New York City declined to act on.
ICE New York City Field Office Director Kenneth Genalo said in a statement that New York City's refusal to honor ICE detainers "has grave and unacceptable consequences." The case has reignited the debate over sanctuary city policies — local rules that limit cooperation between city agencies and federal immigration enforcement. Under those policies, New York City jails generally do not hold people solely on ICE detainers without a judicial warrant.
What to do
- If you have a removal order — especially one issued in absentia — contact an immigration attorney immediately. A motion to reopen your case must generally be filed within 90 days of the order, though exceptions exist for people who never received proper notice of their hearing.
- If ICE lodges a detainer against you while you are in local custody, you have the right to speak with an attorney before any transfer to ICE. Do not waive that right without legal advice.
- If you received a notice to appear (NTA) and missed your court date, do not assume the problem will go away. An in absentia removal order can be enforced at any time, including years later during a routine arrest.
- If you are undocumented and have prior arrests on your record, speak with an immigration lawyer now — before any new encounter with law enforcement triggers a detainer or removal action.
A full breakdown of this topic — in our guide “Your Rights During an ICE Encounter”.
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An in absentia removal order is one of the most dangerous situations an immigrant can face, because it can be enforced at any moment — during a traffic stop, a local arrest, or even a visit to a government office. If you believe you may have missed an immigration court hearing, file a motion to reopen as soon as possible; the standard deadline is 90 days from the order, but exceptions based on lack of notice do exist and courts have granted them. Do not try to navigate this alone — consult a licensed immigration attorney before your next encounter with law enforcement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an immigration detainer?
An immigration detainer is a written request from ICE to a local jail or police department asking them to hold a person for up to 48 extra hours after they would normally be released, so ICE can take custody. Local governments can choose whether to honor detainers — some cities, including New York, generally do not.
What does 'removed in absentia' mean?
It means an immigration judge issued a deportation order while the person was not present in court. This usually happens when someone misses their hearing. The order is legally valid and can be enforced at any time, even years later.
Can I fight an in absentia removal order?
Yes, in many cases. You can file a motion to reopen your immigration case — typically within 90 days of the removal order. If you never received proper notice of your hearing, you may be able to file even after that deadline. An immigration attorney can review your specific situation.
Does living in a sanctuary city protect me from ICE?
Not fully. Sanctuary policies limit cooperation between local police and ICE, but they do not stop ICE from arresting you directly. ICE can still conduct its own enforcement operations, and a removal order remains valid regardless of where you live.