NEW YORK, NY – U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) New York City field office has filed an immigration detainer with the New York City Department of Corrections for 38-year-old Jose Edwin Cruz Gomez, a Honduran national unlawfully present in the United States. Cruz was arrested by the New York City Police Department on September 13 for murder, attempted murder, assault, vehicular manslaughter, and multiple other felony charges after allegedly striking a 16-year-old girl, her mother, and her stepfather with his vehicle following the teen’s refusal of his advances. The incident resulted in the death of the minor and injuries to her mother.
Another young family faces an unimaginable tragedy—one that could have been prevented but for sanctuary and open-border policies that have shielded criminal offenders. These individuals will now be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law and removed from the U.S. as required.”
– ICE Acting Director Todd M. Lyon
Cruz unlawfully entered the country near Nogales, Arizona, on November 10, 2004. After being denied asylum and removal relief in 2005, with a judge granting voluntary departure, Cruz appealed but ultimately received a final removal order. He later illegally reentered the U.S., and was apprehended on Long Island in 2013 for a DUI. ICE detained him at that time but released him for participation in the Alternatives to Detention Program. Cruz absconded, and subsequent efforts to locate him were unsuccessful.
Between 2024 and 2025, Cruz was arrested several more times for charges including possession of a forged instrument, disorderly conduct, and alcohol-related driving offenses. On each occasion, he was released from custody before ICE could take action or was not prioritized under then-current immigration enforcement guidelines.
Anyone with information about suspected immigration violations or related criminal activity is encouraged to contact ICE by calling 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or using the online tip form.
