ICE Removes Convicted Criminals: What It Means for You
You have a criminal conviction on your record — even an old one — and you wonder if ICE could come for you next. In late July and early August 2026, ICE removed several people with convictions ranging from murder to arson, including individuals who had been deported before and returned. These cases show that prior removal orders stay active and that reentry after deportation leads to federal charges on top of removal.
Who ICE Removed and Why It Matters
Between late July and early August 2026, ICE's Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) carried out a series of removals targeting people with serious criminal convictions. ICE ERO Executive Associate Director Marcos Charles said the removals were aimed at protecting communities: "These are convicted criminals who no longer pose a threat on American streets."
The cases show a clear pattern. Hernan Portillo Melendez, 39, from Honduras, was convicted of second-degree murder and assault with a dangerous weapon. He had been removed to Honduras in April 2024, then encountered again near Carrizo Springs, Texas, later that same year. Neri Farid Calix Ardon, 31, also from Honduras, was convicted of sexual assault of a child. He entered the U.S. without inspection around 2016, was removed in September 2023, and was found again at the Eagle Pass, Texas, International Railroad Bridge in January 2025 — leading to a federal charge of reentry after deportation. Douglas Corea-Cabezas, 53, from Nicaragua, carried convictions for sexual battery, kidnapping, strongarm robbery, and cocaine possession. He was removed in 1991, reentered unlawfully, was removed again in 1996, and reentered a second time. Rafael Panduro Puga, 38, from Mexico, was convicted of arson and possession of a controlled substance while armed; he was removed in July 2026.
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What These Cases Tell Us About ICE Priorities
Each of these individuals had prior removal orders. Several had been deported more than once. Under current enforcement priorities, ICE treats prior removal orders as active and pursues reentry cases aggressively. Returning to the U.S. after a deportation order is a federal felony — separate from any immigration removal proceeding — and prosecutors have been filing those charges consistently in 2026.
If you have any criminal conviction in your history, even a misdemeanor, it can affect your immigration status. Certain crimes — called "aggravated felonies" or "crimes involving moral turpitude" under immigration law — can make you deportable even if you have a green card or another legal status. The cases above involved serious felonies, but the broader enforcement environment means that anyone with a criminal record and uncertain immigration status faces real risk.
What to Do
- If you have a criminal conviction — even an old or expunged one — talk to an immigration attorney before any contact with ICE or immigration court. Criminal records affect immigration cases differently than criminal cases.
- If you have a prior removal order, do not assume it has expired or been forgotten. Lawyers recommend checking your immigration court records through the EOIR (Executive Office for Immigration Review) case status line at 1-800-898-7180.
- If ICE contacts you or comes to your door, you have the right to remain silent and the right to speak with an attorney. You are not required to open the door without a signed judicial warrant.
- If you are in removal proceedings (the formal immigration court process), you have 30 days to appeal an order of removal and 90 days to file a motion to reopen your case. Missing these deadlines can end your options.
A full breakdown of this topic — in our guide “Your Rights During an ICE Encounter”.
Fishkin Law Firm, New York
Any criminal conviction — including older ones — can trigger deportability, even for green card holders. If a client has both a criminal record and an immigration case, I always advise them to get a full review of both files before any court date, because a plea deal that seemed minor in criminal court can be an aggravated felony under immigration law. The 30-day appeal deadline on a removal order is hard and fast — missing it closes most doors, so don't delay in consulting an immigration attorney.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can ICE deport me if I have a green card but a criminal conviction?
Yes. A green card (lawful permanent residence) does not protect you from deportation if you have certain criminal convictions. Crimes classified as 'aggravated felonies' or 'crimes involving moral turpitude' under immigration law can make even a green card holder deportable. An immigration attorney can review your specific conviction and tell you your risk level.
What happens if I was deported before and came back to the U.S.?
Returning to the U.S. after a deportation order is a federal felony crime, separate from the immigration removal process. You can face criminal prosecution and a new removal order. The cases in this article show that ICE actively pursues people who reenter after deportation, including charging them federally.
How long do I have to appeal a removal order?
You have 30 days from the date of the removal order to file an appeal with the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA). You also have 90 days to file a motion to reopen your case if new evidence or changed circumstances exist. Both deadlines are strict — missing them can eliminate your legal options.
What are my rights if ICE comes to my home?
You have the right to remain silent. You do not have to open the door unless ICE presents a judicial warrant signed by a judge (not just an administrative ICE warrant). You have the right to speak with an immigration attorney. Do not sign any documents without first consulting a lawyer.