Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has lodged a detainer against Angel Israel Deras-Rivas, a Salvadoran national, following allegations that he left a 14-month-old child to drown in a bathtub. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed this action to prevent his release by North Carolina officials.
Incident Details
Angel Israel Deras-Rivas was arrested in Garner, North Carolina. He allegedly left the toddler unattended in a bathtub filled with water, leading to the child’s death. According to an arrest warrant reported by The Raleigh News & Observer, the incident occurred after Deras-Rivas had married the child’s mother in April.
Immigration Background
DHS identified Deras-Rivas as a criminal illegal alien who entered the United States unlawfully through Texas in October 2023. He was later released into the country by the Biden administration.
Criticism of Immigration Policies
DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin criticized the current immigration policies, blaming them for the situation. He stated, “This criminal illegal alien has been charged with murder and felony child abuse after letting a 14-month-old drown in a bathtub.” Mullin underscored that the child might have survived if not for the criticized border policies.
ICE’s Appeal to North Carolina
ICE has urged North Carolina officials to ensure Deras-Rivas remains in custody. The agency filed the detainer with the Wake County Sheriff’s Department the same day of his arrest. ICE wants to take Deras-Rivas into federal custody for removal proceedings.
An ICE detainer typically requests that local law enforcement notify the agency before an individual’s release, holding the person for up to 48 additional hours for ICE agents to act.
Additional commentary was sought from the Garner Police Department by Fox News Digital. Bonny Chu contributed to this report.