Judge orders release of MS-13 gang member who was in ICE custody

The illegal immigrant with a criminal record was released into the country by the Biden Administration in 2022.

An agent with the Department of Homeland Security, DHS (File).AFP

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18 de marzo, 2026

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The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) this week issued a warning statement after a judge appointed by Barack Obama ordered the release of Carlos Antonio Flores-Miguel, an illegal immigrant with a serious criminal record.

The undocumented immigrant was in the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and is a member of the Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) gang, the release noted.

According to the release, on Jan. 20, 2026, ICE conducted a targeted operation to arrest Flores-Miguel in Minnesota. During the arrest, he resisted violently, punching and kicking security agents. He even snatched a holster from one of the officers.

However, earlier this month, a judge ordered his release. His criminal record in the United States includes rape, resisting arrest and illegal re-entry. According to documents, Flores-Miguel was also arrested in El Salvador for robbery.

MS-13 FREED: Judge orders release of Carlos Antonio Flores-Miguel, illegal immigrant with rape and robbery convictions who punched ICE officers and grabbed at gun holster during January arrest. https://t.co/HcGEdH8LC0
— Fox News (@FoxNews) March 17, 2026

Released by the Biden Administration in 2022

"This activist, Obama-appointed judge RELEASED Carlos Antonio Flores-Miguel, a criminal illegal alien from El Salvador and MS-13 gang member, from ICE custody," said Acting Undersecretary Lauren Bis.

The official recalled that the subject in question had already been released by the Biden Administration in 2022.

"Releasing violent criminals is inexcusably reckless and now this criminal will be able to perpetrate more crimes against innocent Americans," Bis added.

Deportations or permanent removals, the dilemma with repeat offenders

Flores-Miguel entered the United States in September 2016 and was deported that same year, in October, explained the DHS statement.

The alleged gang member re-entered the country illegally and was deported in March 2017. In October 2021, Flores-Miguel illegally entered the United States for the third time and was released in June 2022.

A judge issued a final deportation order, ruling that he could be deported to any country other than El Salvador. This case illustrates the importance of third country deportations for removing illegal immigrants with criminal records from the United States.