Mario Ulloa-Jaramillo/Mexico/Drug Possession

Mario Ulloa-Jaramillo, a Mexico national found to be in the country illegally, was arrested in Austin, Texas, on charges of drug possession.

Drug possession charges involving illegal aliens frequently result in dual proceedings — a criminal case at the state level and a concurrent immigration enforcement action initiated by federal agents. Even misdemeanor drug possession can serve as a trigger for immigration detention, particularly when the individual has no lawful status in the country. Ulloa-Jaramillo now faces both a state criminal case and a federal immigration proceeding, each capable of producing consequences independent of the other.

Ulloa-Jaramillo remains in ICE custody pending a hearing before a federal immigration judge. No trial date on the criminal charges has been announced publicly. If the immigration court orders removal, Ulloa-Jaramillo would be returned to Mexico.