Erick Ruiz Espinoza/Nicaragua/Assault

Erick Ruiz Espinoza, a Nicaragua national living in the country illegally, was taken into custody by ICE agents in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, on charges of assault.

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. Espinoza now faces criminal penalties under state law and, separately, a federal immigration matter determining whether deportation is ordered.

Following the arrest, Espinoza was transferred to federal immigration detention. Removal proceedings before a Department of Justice immigration judge are pending, with Nicaragua as the country of removal.