Sept. 10, 2010

HOUSTON - A man who fled to the United States after committing a homicide in Mexico was deported Thursday by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Office of Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO).

Felipe Cuello-Varela, 51, a Mexican national, was escorted by ICE ERO to the Juarez Lincoln International Bridge, in Laredo, Texas, on Sept. 9. He was taken into custody by officials with the Office of the Attorney General of the Republic of Mexico (PGR).

The investigation was initiated after information was provided by the ICE Attaché Mexico regarding Cuello-Varela's whereabouts. On Aug. 10, ICE ERO Fugitive Operation officers on surveillance observed Cuello-Varela walking near the intersection of La Fonda St. and La Jolla St. in Houston. He was arrested without incident.

"The United States will not be a haven for individuals seeking refuge for crimes in other countries," said Kenneth L. Landgrebe, field office director of the ICE ERO office in Houston. "ICE works closely with our international law enforcement partners to identify, locate and deport aliens who are wanted in their home countries."

Cuello-Varela last entered the United States in June at the Brownsville Port of Entry. On June 16 the U.S. Department of State revoked Cuello-Varelas's non-immigrant visa, making his presence in the United States a violation of U.S. immigration laws. 

His removal was coordinated with ICE's Office of International Affairs, the ICE Attaché Mexico and the Houston ICE Office of Chief Counsel.