Karen Favela-Valdez/Mexico/Domestic Violence

Karen Favela-Valdez, a 29-year-old citizen of Mexico, was arrested by Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) New Orleans during an immigration enforcement operation focused on individuals with criminal records residing illegally in the United States. Favela-Valdez is unlawfully present in the country and has a criminal history that includes a conviction for assault—domestic violence. Her arrest occurred in Louisiana, where she had been residing despite lacking legal immigration status.

Records indicate that Favela-Valdez had previously come into contact with local law enforcement due to the domestic violence offense. The assault charge involved an incident that resulted in physical harm to a family or household member, prompting legal action and her subsequent conviction. After serving her sentence, her case was referred to ICE for immigration enforcement due to her illegal presence and criminal background.

Following her apprehension, she was taken into ICE custody and is now being held at a detention facility while she awaits removal proceedings. ICE officers confirmed that she had no lawful immigration status or pending applications that would prevent her from being subject to deportation. Her case has been submitted to immigration court, where a final decision on her removal will be determined.