Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers arrested a Mexican national in Arizona who is wanted in connection with a homicide in Sinaloa, Mexico, according to federal authorities.
The arrest involves a foreign fugitive accused of a violent crime abroad and highlights how immigration enforcement can intersect with international criminal investigations.
Jose Gustavo Angulo Bernal was taken into custody on March 31 in Lake Havasu City, Arizona, during a targeted enforcement operation conducted by federal officers. According to the Department of Homeland Security, officers established surveillance at a residence before observing Angulo Bernal enter a vehicle registered in his name. Authorities conducted a vehicle stop and confirmed his identity using official identification and immigration records.
Mexican authorities allege Angulo Bernal participated in the killing of a woman on Nov. 1, 2018, along with two other individuals. According to reports, the victim’s body was later found in the town of El Tamarindo in Sinaloa after the incident.
Federal officials said Angulo Bernal later entered the United States at an unknown time and location. Authorities said he does not have a known criminal record in the United States but is wanted in Mexico on homicide charges.
Arizona communities are safer after the arrest of Jose Gustavo Angulo-Bernal, a 25-year-old Mexican fugitive alien wanted in Mexico for homicide. ICE Phoenix is committed to removing public safety risks. Visit our site and learn more at: https://t.co/q99ehr0oXJ pic.twitter.com/4n6EjQCCCI
— ERO Phoenix (@ERO__Phoenix) April 3, 2026
The arrest was carried out without incident, and Angulo Bernal was transported to a federal facility for processing. He remains in immigration custody pending further proceedings.
“Thanks to ICE law enforcement, this individual wanted for murder in Mexico has been taken into custody,” Acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis said. “He will remain in custody pending the outcome of his immigration case.”
Federal officials said immigration enforcement operations can include individuals wanted for crimes outside the United States, depending on available information and coordination with foreign authorities.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Phoenix field office said the arrest followed investigative work to locate and identify the suspect in Arizona.
Authorities have not released additional details about potential extradition or the timeline of proceedings.
