Walter Jose Galeas Sanchez, MS-13 Gang Member, Removed by ICE

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Key Takeaways

• On December 13, 2024, ICE deported MS-13 gang member Walter Jose Galeas Sanchez, wanted in El Salvador for aggravated homicide.
• Repeat illegal entries remain a significant challenge, with MS-13 affiliates like Kevin Mauricio Guzman-Martinez re-entering undetected after prior removals.
• As of July 2024, ICE identified 425,000 undocumented convicted criminals in the U.S., including 60,000 convicted of assault crimes.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) recently deported Walter Jose Galeas Sanchez, a known MS-13 gang member from El Salvador🇸🇻, marking another step in its ongoing efforts to target dangerous foreign nationals. Galeas Sanchez, 40, had entered the United States illegally on three occasions and was removed on December 13, 2024, as part of ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) in Washington, D.C. He is wanted in El Salvador for aggravated homicide and illicit association—serious charges that highlight the risks posed by such individuals to public safety.

According to ICE, Galeas Sanchez’s removal underscores the agency’s priority in targeting those who jeopardize community safety and evade justice in their home countries. This case is far from isolated. In September 2024, ICE deported another MS-13 gang member, Alexis Bladimir Canizales Romero, to El Salvador where he is wanted for crimes including aggravated femicide, aggravated homicide, and unlawful association. These cases shine a spotlight on the recurring difficulties associated with illegal re-entry and managing threats posed by criminal elements.

Walter Jose Galeas Sanchez, MS-13 Gang Member, Removed by ICE

The Persistent Issue of Repeat Illegal Entries

Canizales Romero’s situation demonstrates how repeat illegal entries complicate immigration enforcement. Initially, he was expelled from the U.S. in March 2020 under Title 42, a measure allowing for the immediate deportation of unauthorized migrants during public health emergencies. Despite this, he illegally re-entered in March 2024 via an unidentified location. His eventual arrest, triggered by driving while intoxicated, revealed his criminal warrants in El Salvador. A coordinated effort between ICE and local law enforcement led to an immigration detainer, followed by his removal order in July 2024. By August, he was deported on a chartered flight to El Salvador.

These examples demonstrate the recurring challenge: many individuals removed from the U.S. manage to cross borders undetected and re-establish themselves unlawfully. Another notable case is that of Kevin Mauricio Guzman-Martinez, a 28-year-old Salvadoran gang member and MS-13 affiliate. In April 2015, Guzman-Martinez was arrested near Hidalgo, Texas🇺🇸, by Border Patrol agents and quickly served an expedited removal order. Despite being deported that same month, Guzman-Martinez later re-entered the U.S. at an unknown date.

In September 2024, he was captured again in Maryland🇺🇸 during a joint effort between ERO Baltimore agents and Aberdeen police. Shortly after, he was served a notice to reinstate his prior removal order. Guzman-Martinez’s case remains ongoing, with ICE custody protecting the public from further potential harm as his deportation process progresses.

The Threat to Public Safety

MS-13 gang members like Walter Jose Galeas Sanchez and others are part of transnational criminal organizations that have long posed a threat to community safety. These organizations often operate across borders, engaging in violent crimes and other illicit activities. Nikita Baker, acting Field Office Director for ERO Baltimore, highlighted the public risks, stating: “Not only did Kevin Mauricio Guzman-Martinez unlawfully re-enter the United States after having been previously removed from the country, but he is also a member of a notorious transnational criminal organization and represents a threat to the members of our Maryland communities.”

The data behind these public safety concerns is staggering. As of July 2024, ICE reports indicated approximately 425,000 convicted criminals were living illegally within the United States. This group includes over 60,000 individuals convicted of assault, around 16,000 convicted of sexual assault, and nearly 57,000 guilty of crimes related to dangerous drugs. These numbers illustrate the scale of illegal immigration intersecting with criminal activity, establishing why agencies like ICE prioritize enforcement of removal orders.

Challenges Faced by ICE

Despite its efforts, ICE faces significant challenges in fulfilling its mission to remove individuals like Galeas Sanchez. One recurring obstacle comes from jurisdictions known as sanctuary cities, which adopt policies limiting their cooperation with federal immigration authorities. ICE detainer requests, which ask local police to hold migrants until ICE agents can take over custody, are often ignored. This lack of cooperation leaves dangerous individuals in communities and complicates federal immigration enforcement efforts.

Tools and Strategies for Effective Enforcement

Faced with this reality, ICE has developed initiatives to broaden its reach and coordination with domestic and international partners. One such program is the Security Alliance for Fugitive Enforcement (SAFE). Launched in 2012, SAFE focuses on sharing information and improving the coordination required to track down and apprehend high-priority individuals wanted internationally. These task forces unite foreign law enforcement agencies, attorneys general, and other authorities to enhance the efficiency of ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations.

ERO, which functions under ICE, is at the heart of these efforts with more than 7,700 personnel working across 208 national locations, 25 domestic field offices, and multiple overseas postings. The directorate manages immigration enforcement within the United States, oversees detention populations, and coordinates the removal of noncitizens. Perhaps most importantly, it directly addresses final orders of removal that ensure deportations are conducted in compliance with U.S. laws.

International Cooperation and Accountability

An essential element of these deportations is ensuring that the individuals face justice upon returning to their home countries. For instance, when Canizales Romero was sent back to El Salvador in August 2024, Salvadoran authorities immediately took him into custody to answer for his alleged crimes. These coordinated transfers support the larger goal of holding dangerous individuals accountable at both national and international levels.

Community Impact and Public Involvement

To maintain transparency and encourage public involvement, ICE actively solicits input from the general public. Community members aware of foreign fugitives can report information through the ICE Tip Line or an online form, strengthening collaboration between the agency and local residents. Such public participation helps reinforce safety measures in neighborhoods affected by transnational criminal groups like MS-13.

Moving Forward

As ICE continues its efforts, the cases of Walter Jose Galeas Sanchez, Alexis Bladimir Canizales Romero, and Kevin Mauricio Guzman-Martinez serve as both reminders of the risks posed by repeat offenders and evidence of what can be achieved through comprehensive enforcement actions. These operations are crucial to protecting U.S. communities and ensuring that criminal elements cannot exploit loopholes in immigration systems.

Challenges persist, particularly regarding irregular migrant re-entry and limited cooperation from some jurisdictions. However, programs like SAFE and the dedicated work of ERO personnel highlight the progress made in enforcing immigration laws effectively. ICE’s commitment remains steadfast: to remove individuals who jeopardize community safety while upholding the integrity of immigration systems.

For more detailed information on these efforts or to report specific cases, you can visit the official U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement website. By staying informed and contributing where possible, communities can play a vital role in supporting these ongoing efforts.

In conclusion, while the task is far from straightforward, the deportation of individuals like Walter Jose Galeas Sanchez signifies ICE’s determination to address illegal immigration and transnational crime. From apprehending high-priority targets to fostering international cooperation, ICE remains focused on its mission to safeguard public safety and promote lawful immigration practices. As cases like these unfold, they reinforce the broader need for coordinated actions that balance enforcement with accountability, underscoring the agency’s vital role in upholding the rule of law.

Learn Today

Illegal Re-entry → The act of entering a country again without authorization after being previously removed or deported.
Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) → A division within ICE responsible for detaining, managing, and deporting noncitizens under U.S. immigration laws.
Sanctuary Cities → Jurisdictions with policies limiting cooperation with federal immigration authorities, including denying ICE detainer requests.
Title 42 → A U.S. public health policy allowing immediate deportation of unauthorized migrants during health emergencies, like the COVID-19 pandemic.
Transnational Criminal Organizations (TCOs) → Groups operating across borders involved in illicit activities, such as drug trafficking, violence, and human smuggling.

This Article in a Nutshell

ICE recently deported MS-13 gang member Walter Jose Galeas Sanchez, wanted in El Salvador for homicide. His case highlights the risks of repeat illegal entries, with transnational criminals exploiting border vulnerabilities. Through coordination and programs like SAFE, ICE targets such threats, reinforcing public safety and demonstrating the critical need for strict, effective enforcement.
— By VisaVerge.com