ICE arrests Guatemalan alien charged with murder, assault after release by noncooperative jurisdiction

BALTIMORE — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested Rene Pop-Chub, 32, an illegal alien and Guatemalan citizen, April 12, in Hyattsville, Maryland, after Prince Georges County Department of Corrections failed to honor an ICE immigration detainer, releasing him back into the public.

Pop is pending charges for murder, second-degree assault, and reckless endangerment.

“The arrest of Rene Pop-Chub underscores the critical importance of cooperation between federal and local counterparts,” said ICE Baltimore Acting Field Office Director Nikita Baker. “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.”

The U.S. Border Patrol arrested Pop June 13, 2013, in Falfurrias, Texas, and issued him an order of expedited removal. Pop was removed from the United States to Guatemala Sept. 24, 2013. The Border Patrol arrested Pop in Cowlic, Arizona, Dec. 11, 2017, after he illegally reentered the U.S. and issued him a notice of intent to reinstate a prior order of removal. ICE removed Pop from the U.S. to Guatemala Dec. 28, 2017.

Pop reentered the United States for a third time on an unknown date at an unknown location without being inspected, admitted, or paroled by an immigration officer. The Prince George’s County Police Department arrested Pop Aug. 19, 2024, and charged him with first-degree assault. ICE Baltimore lodged an immigration detainer with the Prince George’s County Department of Corrections Oct. 9, 2024. The District Court for Prince George’s County forwarded Pop’s case to the Circuit Court for Prince George's County Oct. 31, 2024, for the offense of murder, assault first-degree, second-degree assault, and reckless endangerment. The charges are currently pending. The PGCDC declined to honor ICE’s immigration detainer and released Pop from custody April 8. ICE Baltimore arrested Pop in Hyattsville, April 12, and issued him a notice of intent to reinstate a prior order of removal. Pop has been transferred to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.

Members of the public can report crimes and suspicious activity by dialing 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or completing the online tip form.

Learn more about ICE’s mission to increase public safety in our communities on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @EROBaltimore.

Source: U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE.gov)