U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Pennsylvania arrested a Honduran national with a criminal record after he was released from Northampton County Prison despite an ICE detainer.
Amilcar Josue Villalvir Mendez, a convicted criminal alien, was arrested by ICE on February 27th at the Northampton County Prison in Easton, Pennsylvania. Prison officials failed to honor an ICE detainer, releasing Villalvir and putting the public, officers, and Villalvir himself at risk.
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“The arrest of Amilcar Josue Villalvir Mendez highlights the crucial importance of local and federal law enforcement cooperation in ensuring public safety,” said ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Philadelphia acting Field Office Director Brian McShane. “Northampton County choosing to place politics over safety instead of honoring our detainer, put everyone involved at unnecessary risk.”
Villalvir has a history of criminal convictions, including aggravated assault, theft, and drug possession. He was most recently arrested in February 2024 for access device fraud and theft after withdrawing money from his deceased girlfriend’s bank account.
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ICE lodged a detainer against Villalvir in 2023 following his arrest for assault and battery, but the detainer was ignored, and he was released on bail.
“We urge all jurisdictions to prioritize the safety of their residents by honoring immigration detainers and working collaboratively with us,” McShane added. “Our commitment to enforcing immigration laws and protecting public safety remains unwavering, and we will continue to pursue justice for those who violate our nation’s laws.”
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