Ramon Membreno/El Salvador/Assault

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested Ramon Membreno in Grand Island, Nebraska. The El Salvador national — in the country illegally — faces charges of assault.

Assault charges involving illegal aliens draw attention from both local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities, initiating two separate legal processes. State prosecutors handle the criminal charge while federal immigration authorities pursue removal on an independent timeline. Membreno now faces criminal penalties under state law and, separately, a federal immigration matter determining whether deportation is ordered.

Membreno is currently in federal immigration custody awaiting a hearing before a Department of Justice immigration judge, which will determine whether removal to El Salvador is ordered.