Overview

• ICE mistakenly released convicted Colombian murderer Efrain Vidales Vargas into the U.S. due to a national bed space shortage.
• Vargas, who entered the U.S. illegally in November 2023, was arrested in Massachusetts in May 2024.
• ICE cited the overwhelming number of illegal immigrants and limited resources as factors in the erroneous release.
• Vargas had been convicted of aggravated homicide, aggravated theft, and possession of a weapon in Colombia in 2016.
• ICE officials emphasize the commitment to public safety and the ongoing efforts to deport Vargas back to Colombia.