Redondo Beach, Calif. – Early Thursday morning, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents arrested Ernesto Alejandro Perez‑Garcia, a Mexican national who has entered the United States illegally five times. The arrest took place on the Redondo Beach esplanade, where agents first approached Perez‑Garcia during his routine morning walk.
Background and criminal record
According to ICE, Perez‑Garcia’s criminal history stretches back to 2003. He has been convicted of driving without a license, driving with a suspended license, possession of controlled‑substance paraphernalia, and multiple terroristic‑threat offenses. He has also faced several disorderly‑conduct citations, including four arrests by the Redondo Beach Police Department since 2020.
ICE reports that Perez‑Garcia was removed to Mexico after a 2006 conviction for threatening crime with intent to terrorize, but he later re‑entered the United States at an unknown location and date. Subsequent attempts to cross the southern border near Tecate, California, were also documented.
Arrest details
When agents first confronted Perez‑Garcia, he denied his identity. After being shown a prior mugshot, he acknowledged that he was the individual ICE was seeking. In an interview with Fox News Digital, he said he initially lied to see if he could avoid detention, but realized he was “busted” once the photo was presented.
Perez‑Garcia attributed his capture to his alcohol use, stating, “At the end of the day, it’s the alcohol that got me back in this mess.” He also mentioned a recent personal loss that contributed to his drinking, but emphasized personal responsibility for his actions.
Local law‑enforcement cooperation
Perez‑Garcia claimed that the Redondo Beach Police Department had previously informed him that ICE was looking for him and that the department was “cool with it,” while also noting that he had an outstanding warrant. The Redondo Beach Police Department did not comment on those statements.
Los Angeles Field Office Director Tom Giles told Fox News Digital that when local jurisdictions fail to honor ICE detainers, it forces federal officers to conduct community arrests, increasing risk for both officers and residents. Giles urged jurisdictions to cooperate with ICE to enhance public safety.
Implications for sanctuary policies
The arrest underscores ongoing debates over sanctuary policies in California municipalities. While some local agencies limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, ICE officials argue that such policies hinder their ability to apprehend individuals with repeated criminal histories and multiple illegal entries.
Perez‑Garcia, who has children living in the United States, expressed uncertainty about his future, saying, “I don’t know what’s going to happen… I already knew it was going to catch up to me; I just didn’t know when.”
Legal next steps
ICE has not disclosed whether Perez‑Garcia will be placed in removal proceedings or face additional criminal charges. The case will likely proceed through federal immigration courts, where his extensive criminal record and multiple illegal re‑entries will be considered.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
