The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency successfully repatriated Nestor Flores Encarnacion, a 58-year-old Mexican national, back to Mexico on Thursday, concluding a complex case spanning multiple illegal entries and culminating in his apprehension in Houston, Texas. Flores Encarnacion was wanted in his native Veracruz, Mexico, for the grave crime of child rape. His repatriation underscores ICE’s commitment to identifying and removing individuals who pose a threat to public safety within the United States, particularly those with outstanding warrants for serious offenses.
Flores Encarnacion’s history with U.S. immigration authorities reveals a persistent pattern of illegal entry. He first attempted to cross the border near Roma, Texas, on February 16, 2002, only to be apprehended by U.S. Border Patrol and promptly returned to Mexico. Undeterred, he made two further attempts within days, on February 20 and 22, again apprehended by Border Patrol and voluntarily returned each time. This series of events highlights the challenges faced by border enforcement agencies in managing repeat attempts at illegal entry.
Despite these repeated removals, Flores Encarnacion managed to enter the U.S. a fourth time at an undisclosed location and date, successfully evading detection for an extended period. His presence came to light on August 23, 2024, when ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Houston Field Office received information suggesting his residence in the Houston area. Crucially, this information also revealed the outstanding warrant for his arrest in Mexico on charges of child rape.
Acting on this intelligence, ERO Houston officers apprehended Flores Encarnacion at his Houston residence. This apprehension marked a critical turning point in the case, initiating the legal process that would ultimately lead to his repatriation. Following his arrest, Flores Encarnacion was placed in immigration proceedings, where an immigration judge granted him voluntary departure on December 19, 2024. This legal process, while respecting due process, ensured the efficient removal of a dangerous fugitive.
The repatriation of Flores Encarnacion to Mexico at the Juarez-Lincoln Bridge in Laredo, Texas, signifies successful interagency cooperation and a firm commitment to upholding the law. His transfer to Mexican authorities ensures he faces justice for his alleged crime and can no longer pose a threat to children within the United States. The case represents a significant victory for ICE ERO Houston, demonstrating their proactive approach to identifying and removing individuals with outstanding criminal warrants, enhancing community safety.
Bret A. Bradford, Field Office Director for ICE ERO Houston, emphasized the agency’s unwavering dedication to ensuring public safety. He highlighted the brazen nature of Flores Encarnacion’s repeated illegal entries, particularly in the context of evading prosecution for such a serious offense. Bradford reassured the public that Southeast Texas would not serve as a safe haven for dangerous fugitives and criminal aliens, and that ICE would continue its vigorous efforts to apprehend and repatriate individuals who pose a threat to communities. This case underscores the critical role of interagency collaboration and intelligence sharing in identifying and apprehending individuals who attempt to evade justice by crossing international borders. It further demonstrates the commitment of ICE to ensuring that the U.S. does not become a sanctuary for individuals accused of heinous crimes abroad.
