Luis Miguel Perez-Miranda/El Salvador/Murder

On February 24, 2025, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement apprehended 34-year-old Luis Miguel Perez-Miranda, a Salvadoran MS-13 gang member, in Dayton, Texas. Perez-Miranda had been removed from the U.S. six times and was wanted for the murder of his father-in-law, Julian Salas Lopez, in Liberty County.

Following the stabbing, he fled into a wooded area, leading to a large-scale manhunt involving local law enforcement and federal agencies.

Perez-Miranda’s criminal history includes drug trafficking and possession. Despite multiple deportations, he continued to reenter the U.S. illegally, with documented entries in 2009, 2014, 2016, 2019, 2021, and 2023. After his arrest, he was booked into the Liberty County Jail with a $5 million bond.

This arrest was part of a broader enforcement effort in the Colony Ridge area, where 118 individuals with criminal backgrounds were apprehended. The operation raised concerns about the community’s development practices, which some argue attract individuals with questionable records.

ICE officials emphasized their commitment to public safety. Chad Plantz, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Houston, stated that removing violent criminals like Perez-Miranda enhances the safety of local communities.