Honduran National Arrested by ICE After Early Release from Prince George’s County Detention Despite Detainer
BALTIMORE — Federal immigration authorities have arrested a Honduran national convicted of assault in Maryland, following his release from Prince George’s County custody earlier this year. The release has sparked renewed debate regarding local cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, as the individual was discharged despite an active detainer lodged by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Rafael Aguilar, identified by authorities as a Honduran citizen, was taken into federal custody by ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) officers in Baltimore on January 13, 2026. The arrest occurred just one week after he was released from the Prince George’s County Adult Detention Center.
According to court records and statements from ICE, Aguilar was originally arrested in connection with a violent incident that took place on April 19, 2025. Authorities alleged that Aguilar stabbed a victim in the back while the individual was walking home. Initially charged with attempted second-degree murder, the charges against Aguilar were later reduced. He was ultimately convicted of second-degree assault and sentenced to 10 years in prison.
However, Aguilar served only 141 days of that sentence before being released on probation on January 6, 2026.
Federal officials stated that ICE had lodged an immigration detainer against Aguilar on August 19, 2025, while he was still in county custody. Immigration detainers are requests from ICE to local law enforcement agencies to notify federal authorities before releasing a non-citizen who is subject to deportation, allowing ICE to take custody. Prince George’s County, which has policies limiting cooperation with federal immigration enforcement—often referred to as “sanctuary” policies—did not honor the request and released Aguilar into the community.
Following the release, ICE officials criticized the county’s decision. Vernon Liggins, the acting Field Office Director for ICE Baltimore, issued a statement condemning the release of individuals with violent records.
“When sanctuary jurisdictions refuse to honor ICE immigration detainers for egregious criminal illegal aliens, they are knowingly endangering the public,” Liggins said. “By releasing Aguilar instead of cooperating with federal law enforcement, local officials in Prince George’s County chose politics over public safety.”
Liggins added that such policies force federal agents to conduct arrests in the community rather than in the secure environment of a jail.
Prince George’s County officials have previously defended non-cooperation policies as necessary to build trust between local police and immigrant communities, arguing that local resources should not be used for federal immigration enforcement.
Aguilar remains in federal custody and has been issued a notice to appear before a Department of Justice immigration judge, where he faces deportation proceedings.
* charliekirk.com
* ice.gov
* ibtimes.co.uk
* lawenforcementtoday.com
* ice.gov
