Wilver Cota-Ortiz/El Salvador/Assault

Wilver Cota-Ortiz, a Salvadoran national and international fugitive, was removed from the United States by Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) on April 4. Cota-Ortiz had been sought by authorities in El Salvador for charges related to human trafficking. His removal followed extensive coordination between U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Salvadoran officials to ensure his transfer to the proper authorities.

While residing in the U.S. illegally, Cota-Ortiz accrued a criminal record that included two separate convictions for assault. These incidents, both classified as misdemeanors, led to local incarceration before he was identified by ICE officers during a routine records review. An immigration detainer was filed, and Cota-Ortiz was taken into federal custody following his release from a local facility.

After legal proceedings confirmed his deportability, Cota-Ortiz was designated for removal. On April 4, ICE officials transported him to the El Salvador International Airport and released him into the custody of Salvadoran law enforcement. Cota-Ortiz is expected to face prosecution in El Salvador for his alleged role in a human trafficking network.

He will remain under the jurisdiction of Salvadoran authorities as his legal case progresses. His removal is part of continued efforts to ensure individuals with serious criminal histories and outstanding international warrants are held accountable.