El Paso Standard

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has apprehended Javier Zeledon Reyes, a 56-year-old Nicaraguan citizen, in Hyattsville on March 6. Zeledon admitted during immigration proceedings to participating in a massacre of approximately 20 people in the 1990s while serving in the Nicaraguan army.

"This arrest highlights exactly why ICE is vital to the safety of our nation," stated Matthew Elliston, acting Field Office Director for ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations in Baltimore. "This individual, while in proceedings, admitted to his horrific past—massacring innocent people and later aiding a ruthless drug cartel in Mexico. His presence in the United States was a direct threat to public safety, and thanks to the diligent work of our officers, he will no longer be able to hide in our communities. ICE remains committed to identifying, arresting, and removing dangerous criminals who have no place in our neighborhoods."

Zeledon was initially arrested by U.S. Customs and Border Protection at the Gateway International Bridge in Brownsville, Texas on March 29, 2023. He was issued a notice to appear before an immigration judge with the Justice Department’s Executive Office of Immigration Review on March 5.

During this hearing, Zeledon confessed to his military service from 1995 to 1996 where he fired an AK-47 into a crowd of civilians resulting in approximately 20 deaths. He also acknowledged relocating to Mexico where he provided material support to a cartel. Consequently, the immigration judge ordered his removal from the United States back to Nicaragua.

Zeledon is currently held in ICE custody pending his deportation.

The public can report crimes or suspicious activities by calling 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or submitting information via an online tip form.

For more information about ICE’s efforts toward public safety follow @EROBaltimore on X.