DHS Statement on Judge Ordering MS-13 Gang Member Release

DHS Press Releases

Filed March 17th, 2026

Detected March 18th, 2026

Summary

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a statement criticizing a judge's order to release Carlos Antonio Flores-Miguel, an MS-13 gang member with a criminal history, from ICE custody. The statement highlights the individual's violent resistance during arrest and his prior convictions.

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What changed

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has issued a statement condemning a judicial order for the release of Carlos Antonio Flores-Miguel, identified as an MS-13 gang member with a history of violent crimes including rape, resisting arrest, and illegal re-entry. The statement criticizes the judge, described as 'activist' and 'Obama-appointed,' for ordering the release of an individual who violently resisted arrest by ICE officers. This action by DHS serves as a public commentary on judicial decisions impacting immigration enforcement and public safety.

This document is primarily a statement of position by DHS, not a direct regulatory change for regulated entities. However, it signals ongoing tension between DHS enforcement priorities and judicial rulings. Compliance officers in immigration or law enforcement roles should be aware of this case as an example of potential challenges in detaining and removing individuals with significant criminal histories, particularly those associated with violent gangs. No immediate compliance actions are required based on this statement, but it underscores the importance of robust documentation and legal arguments in detention and removal proceedings.

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Activist Judge Orders Release of MS-13 Gang Member from ICE Custody

Activist Judge Orders Release of MS-13 Gang Member from ICE Custody

Release Date: March 17, 2026
This criminal illegal alien was RELEASED into the country by the Biden Administration in 2022

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) today released the following statement after an Obama-appointed judge ordered Carlos Antonio Flores-Miguel, a criminal illegal alien, released from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody. Flores-Miguel is a Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) gang member.

On January 20, 2026, ICE conducted a targeted operation to arrest Flores-Miguel. During the arrest, he violently resisted by punching and kicking ICE law enforcement officers. He even grabbed the gun holster of an ICE officer. ICE took him into custody in Minnesota. Earlier this month, a judge ordered his release from ICE custody. His criminal history in the U.S. includes rape, resisting an officer, and illegal re-entry. He was arrested in El Salvador for robbery.

“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 Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis. “This gang member was previously 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. President Trump is enforcing the law and arresting illegal aliens who have no right to be in our country. We are applying the law as written. If an immigration judge finds an illegal alien has no right to be in this country, we are going to remove them. Period.”

Flores-Miguel entered the U.S. in September 2016 and was removed the same year in October. He entered the U.S. illegally again and was removed in March 2017. In October 2021, Flores-Miguel illegally entered the U.S. a third time and was released in June 2022. He was granted a final order of removal by a judge who found he could be removed to any country other than El Salvador. This case illustrates the importance of third country removals to get criminal illegal aliens out of the U.S.