Police ERO | Official Website
Police ERO | Official Website
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has returned Edgar Batista Matos, a 36-year-old Dominican national, to his home country. Batista Matos is wanted in the Dominican Republic for human smuggling, which resulted in the deaths of three minors. He was removed from Miami on March 4 and flown to Las Americas International Airport in Santo Domingo, where he was handed over to local law enforcement.
Batista Matos has been deported from the United States three times before. His first removal occurred on October 8, 2010, after being apprehended by U.S. Border Patrol near Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico. Subsequent removals took place in 2011, 2019, and 2023.
In September 2024, Batista Matos was arrested by police in San Juan, Puerto Rico. This followed a warrant issued by Dominican authorities related to his involvement in a deadly human smuggling operation. He entered ICE custody on February 6 and was transferred to Miami ahead of his removal.
Juan Lopez Vega, acting Field Office Director for ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Miami, stated: "The return of this fugitive to the Dominican Republic is a prime example of how ICE works closely with our international law enforcement partners to identify, locate and remove criminal aliens who are wanted in their country for allegedly committing crimes." He added that "ICE prioritizes the arrest and removal of criminal alien fugitives," enhancing community safety.
ICE coordinated Batista Matos's removal with the Dominican National Police.
The public can report crimes or suspicious activities by calling 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or completing an online tip form.
For updates on ICE ERO's immigration enforcement efforts, follow @EROMiami on X.
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