Brian Popoca-Laguna/Mexico/Attempted Strangulation

ICE Salt Lake City, operating in Boise, Idaho, arrested Brian Popoca-Laguna, a 25-year-old citizen and national of Mexico, on July 12, 2025, following his identification as a removable noncitizen due to a serious felony conviction in the United States. According to ICE records, Popoca-Laguna was convicted of felony attempted strangulation, an offense involving the intentional and unlawful application of pressure to another person’s throat or neck, impeding normal breathing or blood circulation. Attempted strangulation is regarded as a violent crime under both state and federal law, often associated with domestic violence or other acts of physical aggression. Convictions for such offenses carry significant criminal penalties and severe immigration consequences, including removal from the United States.

Felony attempted strangulation is considered a crime of violence and a crime involving moral turpitude, factors which weigh heavily in immigration proceedings. Individuals convicted of violent felonies often face mandatory detention and expedited removal processes due to the public safety concerns associated with their criminal conduct.

Details regarding the specific circumstances of Popoca-Laguna’s arrest in Boise, Idaho, or whether he has additional criminal history beyond the attempted strangulation conviction, were not provided in publicly available ICE statements. As of the latest report, Popoca-Laguna remains in ICE custody pending removal to Mexico pursuant to his outstanding order of removal issued by an immigration judge.