Francisco Us Santiago/Guatemala/Assault, Forgery

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested Francisco Us Santiago in Madison, Nebraska. The Guatemala national — in the country illegally — faces charges of assault, forgery.

Assault charges involving illegal aliens draw attention from both local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities, initiating two separate legal processes. State prosecutors handle the criminal charge while federal immigration authorities pursue removal on an independent timeline. Santiago now faces criminal penalties under state law and, separately, a federal immigration matter determining whether deportation is ordered.

Santiago is currently in federal immigration custody awaiting a hearing before a Department of Justice immigration judge, which will determine whether removal to Guatemala is ordered.