Controversy Erupts as ICE Criticizes Maryland Sanctuary County for Releasing Alleged Murderer

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement expressed strong disapproval of a sanctuary county in Maryland after an illegal immigrant, charged with murder, was released from local authorities despite an ICE detainer request. This incident has ignited a heated debate regarding the policies of sanctuary jurisdictions and their impact on public safety.

On Saturday, ICE arrested 32-year-old Rene Pop-Chub, a national from Guatemala, in Hyattsville, Maryland. This arrest occurred a mere four days after the Prince George’s County Department of Corrections, also known as PGCDC, released Pop-Chub back into the community without honoring the detainer.

Release Ignites Safety Concerns

According to ICE officials, this failure to comply with the retainer request put community members at significant risk. Pop-Chub is currently facing serious charges, including murder, second-degree assault, and reckless endangerment.

“When jurisdictions refuse to honor our immigration detainers, they put their own communities at risk,” stated Nikita Baker, the Acting Field Office Director for ICE Baltimore, in a written statement. “This was clearly demonstrated in this case where a dangerous illegal alien charged with murder and assault was released back onto the streets.”

Return to Custody

Baker emphasized the commitment and efforts of ICE personnel in safely apprehending Pop-Chub. “Thanks to the unwavering dedication and tireless efforts of our officers, this individual has been taken back into custody,” Baker continued. “Their work ensures that he will now face justice and will no longer pose a threat to public safety in Maryland.”

Pop-Chub had previously been deported from the United States two times, in 2023 and 2017, after illegally entering the country. The timeline surrounding his most recent illegal re-entry remains unclear, leaving questions regarding how he managed to return to the U.S. again without detection.

Background and Previous Arrests

Authorities initially apprehended Pop-Chub on August 19, 2024, when the Prince George’s County Police Department arrested him on charges of first-degree assault. Subsequently, ICE lodged an immigration detainer with PGCDC on October 9, 2024. Later that month, the District Court for Prince George’s County escalated Pop-Chub’s case to the Circuit Court, addressing charges of murder, first-degree assault, second-degree assault, and reckless endangerment.

Sanctuary Policy Implications

Despite the severity of the charges, the PGCDC chose not to maintain ICE’s detainer and released Pop-Chub on April 8, 2025, according to ICE reports. This decision underscores ongoing tensions between federal immigration authorities and local jurisdictions that implement sanctuary policies. Advocates for sanctuary cities argue that these policies are essential for building trust within immigrant communities, encouraging individuals to report crimes without fear of deportation.

Federal Response and Local Criticism

The recent events highlight the persistent debates regarding the effectiveness and repercussions of sanctuary policies on public safety. Critics of sanctuary jurisdictions insist that releasing individuals with serious criminal charges poses a danger to community welfare.

In statements, ICE has underscored the potential risks associated with local compliance to federal detainer requests. Each refusal to honor an ICE detainer may not only thwart federal immigration efforts but also lead to increased crime rates, according to officials.

Community responses to this incident have been mixed. Some residents advocate for stronger enforcement of immigration laws and more coordinated efforts between local authorities and federal agencies. Others contend that sanctuary policies protect vulnerable populations from unjust deportations and promote public safety through community cooperation.

Looking Ahead

The broader implications of this case resonate beyond just this single incident. It raises critical questions about how local jurisdictions will navigate their policies in light of pressure from federal authorities like ICE. Moving forward, the balance between local regulation and federal immigration enforcement remains a contentious subject.

As Pop-Chub faces justice in the courts, the actions of PGCDC and ICE will likely continue to draw scrutiny. Community members and policymakers alike must contemplate the impact of sanctuary policies, both intended and unintended, to ensure public safety while also considering the needs and rights of all residents.