Adrian
The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has sharply criticized a sanctuary county in Maryland for releasing an illegal immigrant accused of murder, despite an ICE detainer request. RENE POP-CHUB, a 32-year-old Guatemalan national, was arrested by ICE in Hyattsville, Maryland, on Saturday, just four days after being released by the Prince George’s County Department of Corrections (PGCDC).
According to ICE, Pop-Chub is facing charges of murder, second-degree assault, and reckless endangerment. The agency had issued an immigration detainer request for Pop-Chub, but the PGCDC allegedly failed to honor it, prompting ICE to voice its concerns publicly.
“When jurisdictions refuse to honor our immigration detainers, they put their own communities at risk,” said NIKITA BAKER, Acting Field Office Director of ICE Baltimore, in a written statement. “This was unfortunately the case here, where a dangerous illegal alien charged with murder and assault was released back onto the streets.”
Baker emphasized the efforts of ICE officers in apprehending Pop-Chub, stating, “Thanks to the unwavering dedication and tireless efforts of our officers, this individual has been taken back into custody. Their work ensures that he will now face justice and will no longer pose a threat to public safety in Maryland.”
Pop-Chub had previously been deported to Guatemala in 2017 and 2023 after illegally entering the U.S. It remains unclear when and how he re-entered the country for a third time.
Authorities initially arrested Pop-Chub on August 19, 2024, when the Prince George’s County Police Department charged him with first-degree assault. ICE Baltimore lodged an immigration detainer with the PGCDC on October 9, 2024. Later that month, the District Court for Prince George’s County forwarded Pop-Chub’s case to the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County, where he faced charges of murder, first-degree assault, second-degree assault, and reckless endangerment.
Despite these serious charges, the PGCDC declined to honor ICE’s detainer and released Pop-Chub on April 8. Following his arrest over the weekend, Pop-Chub was transferred to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
[Source: ICE Statement](https://www.ice.gov) | [Prince George’s County Police Department](https://www.pgpolice.com)
