Jorge Padilla Mendez/Ecuador/Robbery

On May 9, 2025, ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations officers arrested Jorge Padilla Mendez, a citizen of Ecuador who was unlawfully present in the United States. Padilla Mendez was taken into custody in New Jersey during a targeted enforcement operation following his release from local custody. He had been previously arrested in connection with a robbery that occurred in late 2023 and came to the attention of ICE due to his undocumented status and criminal charges.

Padilla Mendez was charged with first-degree robbery after allegedly confronting a victim with a weapon during the commission of a theft. The incident took place in Hudson County and involved the use of force, according to police reports. He was arrested, detained, and later convicted of a lesser offense. Following his conviction, ICE lodged a detainer requesting his transfer upon completion of his sentence. Local authorities notified ICE, and Padilla was taken into custody without incident.

An immigration judge issued a final order of removal on August 28, 2024, after determining Padilla Mendez was not eligible for relief from deportation. ICE has since reinstated that removal order. Padilla Mendez is currently being held in an ICE detention facility and will remain in custody pending deportation to Ecuador. No further legal appeals are pending at this time.