El Paso Standard

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials have apprehended Rene Pop-Chub, a 32-year-old Guatemalan citizen, in Hyattsville, Maryland. Pop-Chub was previously released by the Prince George’s County Department of Corrections despite an ICE immigration detainer placed on him. The arrest occurred on April 12.

Pop-Chub faces pending charges of murder, second-degree assault, and reckless endangerment. ICE Baltimore Acting Field Office Director Nikita Baker emphasized the importance of collaboration between federal and local authorities, stating: “The arrest of Rene Pop-Chub underscores the critical importance of cooperation between federal and local counterparts. When jurisdictions refuse to honor our immigration detainers, they put their own communities at risk — as was the case here, where a dangerous illegal alien charged with murder and assault was released back onto the streets. Thanks to the unwavering dedication and tireless efforts of our officers, this individual has been taken back into custody. Their work ensures that he will now face justice and will no longer pose a threat to public safety in Maryland.”

Pop-Chub’s history with U.S. immigration authorities includes a series of arrests and deportations beginning in 2013. He was first arrested by the U.S. Border Patrol in Falfurrias, Texas, and subsequently deported to Guatemala. In December 2017, he was again arrested after re-entering the U.S. in Cowlic, Arizona, and deported later that month.

More recently, Pop-Chub re-entered the U.S. at an unknown time and place. In August 2024, he was arrested by the Prince George’s County Police Department and charged with first-degree assault. Despite being in custody, the Prince George’s County Department of Corrections released him in April 2025, ignoring an ICE detainer. This led to his recent re-arrest by ICE and transfer to the U.S. Marshals Service.

The public is encouraged to report crimes and suspicious activities to ICE by calling 866-DHS-2-ICE or by using the online tip form. Updates on ICE’s public safety efforts can be followed on X (formerly Twitter) at @EROBaltimore.