U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has deported Jose Luis Romero Diaz, an Ecuadorian national with a deportation order, back to Ecuador on March 25. Romero is sought by Ecuadorian authorities for criminal charges including rape, drug trafficking, and theft.
“Romero’s removal underscores ICE Philadelphia’s critical role in protecting our communities from those who present a significant danger to public safety. Through diligent enforcement of immigration laws, ICE prioritizes the apprehension and removal of individuals who are wanted for serious crimes,” stated Brian McShane, Acting Field Office Director of ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations in Philadelphia.
Romero was apprehended by U.S. Border Patrol on November 20, 2023, near El Paso, Texas, for unauthorized entry into the U.S. He was issued a notice to appear the following day and was released on his own recognizance. Subsequently, an immigration judge in New York issued a removal order for Romero on March 20, 2024.
New York Police Department arrested Romero for robbery causing physical injury on November 2, 2024, with these charges still pending. Romero later visited the ICE New York field office on January 14 to request his immigration documents. He was arrested and then transferred to ICE Philadelphia’s Moshannon Valley Processing Center in Pennsylvania until his deportation.
Members of the public with information can report crimes or suspicious activity using the ICE Tip Line at 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or by filling out an online tip form. ICE Philadelphia’s efforts to maintain public safety in Pennsylvania, Delaware, and West Virginia are shared on X at @EROPhiladelphia.
