Adan Herrera-Villatoro/Mexico/Assault

Adan Herrera-Villatoro, a Mexico national living in the country illegally, was taken into custody by ICE agents in Laredo, Texas, on charges of unlawful reentry, assault.

Assault charges involving illegal aliens draw attention from both local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities, initiating two separate legal processes on independent timelines. State prosecutors handle the criminal charge while federal immigration authorities pursue removal separately. Herrera-Villatoro now faces criminal penalties under state law and, independently, a federal immigration matter that will determine whether deportation to Mexico is ordered.

Herrera-Villatoro is currently in federal immigration custody awaiting a hearing before a Department of Justice immigration judge, which will determine whether removal to Mexico is ordered.