Ismael Ortega-Hernandez/Mexico/Homicide Warrant, Drug Conspiracy

ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Denver arrested 34-year-old Ismael Ortega-Hernandez, a citizen of Mexico who is illegally present in the United States. Ortega-Hernandez was taken into ICE custody following targeted enforcement efforts and remains detained pending further immigration proceedings.

Ortega-Hernandez has a significant criminal history that includes a conviction for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute marijuana, a serious drug trafficking offense. Additionally, he is the subject of a full extradition warrant out of Pinal County, Arizona, for homicide. This outstanding warrant places Ortega-Hernandez at the center of a murder investigation, further elevating his enforcement priority.

He has been previously removed from the United States and reentered unlawfully. ICE agents confirmed that Ortega-Hernandez will remain in custody while his case proceeds through the immigration court system. The extradition request from Arizona authorities is also pending, with coordination underway between local, state, and federal agencies.

Due to the severity of both his prior conviction and the active homicide warrant, Ortega-Hernandez is not eligible for bond or release. He has been issued a notice to appear before an immigration judge and will remain in detention pending the outcome of those proceedings.