ICE’s Houston Enforcement and Removal Operations deported Nestor Flores Encarnacion, a 58-year-old wanted in Mexico for the rape of a child. The operation, involving the Montgomery Processing Center, highlights ICE’s continued efforts to remove dangerous fugitives.
Following his detention in Montgomery County Center, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) effectively sent 58-year-old Nestor Flores Encarnacion to Mexico on January 23. Four times since 2002, Flores, sought in Veracruz, Mexico, for the rape of a child, has unlawfully entered the United States.
Working with ERO Mexico and the Security Alliance for Fugitive Enforcement (SAFE) Task Force, ICE's Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Houston returned Flores by the Juarez-Lincoln Bridge in Laredo, Texas. Arriving with the suspect, Mexican authorities seized him.
"This foreign fugitive blatantly entered the U.S. in violation of our laws multiple times to avoid prosecution for a heinous crime," said Brittany A. Bradford, Director of ERO Houston Field Office. "Our immigration officials search tirelessly to find and deport illegal immigrants endangering public safety and security."
Flores started crossing borders repeatedly in 2002.
The Border Patrol made three apprehensions and voluntary returns that same year. On an unknown date, his fourth illegal entry led to his August 2024 arrest in Houston after ICE received a tip on his whereabouts. Flores was given voluntary departure under safeguards in December 2024 following immigration processes.
The operation highlights ICE's continuous cooperation under the SAFE Program, which was launched in 2012 to improve cross-border intelligence exchange and fugitive enforcement. This program ensures that those sought for major crimes overseas face justice in their native countries by using alliances between American and foreign agencies to locate and deport those targeted.
