Jerry Hernandez-Demeza/Mexico/Possession of a Controlled Substance

Jerry Hernandez-Demeza, a 19-year-old citizen of Mexico, was arrested in Burley, Idaho, by officers from the Salt Lake City Field Office of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations, operating out of the Twin Falls Sub-Office. Hernandez-Demeza is illegally present in the United States and has a documented criminal history that includes a conviction for possession of a controlled substance.

ICE officials confirmed that Hernandez-Demeza’s immigration status and prior conviction made him a target for enforcement. The agency regularly conducts operations targeting individuals who are both unlawfully present in the country and have a record of criminal activity. In this case, Hernandez-Demeza’s prior involvement in drug-related offenses resulted in his apprehension by federal officers.

Authorities have not specified the exact substance involved in the previous possession charge, but confirmed that it factored into the enforcement decision. After being taken into custody in Idaho, Hernandez-Demeza was processed by ICE officers and issued a notice to appear for immigration proceedings.

ICE has stated that Hernandez-Demeza will remain in custody as he awaits removal from the United States. No bond has been granted in his case, and he will be held at a designated ICE detention facility while his deportation is coordinated through the appropriate legal and diplomatic channels.