A twice-deported illegal immigrant, Juan Ayala Montero, was arrested in Montgomery County, Texas, following a dangerous incident over Memorial Day weekend. Ayala, a 60-year-old Mexican national, was charged with felony deadly conduct after allegedly firing dozens of rounds at neighbors in the Kings Colony neighborhood.

Incident Details

According to the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, Ayala was armed with a long gun and actively shooting at multiple people when deputies arrived. The situation escalated into a standoff, with Ayala barricading himself inside his home. The standoff concluded peacefully after the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office SWAT team intervened, leading to Ayala’s surrender and arrest.

Investigators recovered approximately 31 shell casings from the scene, indicating that multiple rounds were fired toward homes and residents. Witnesses reported attempts to de-escalate the situation, but Ayala continued firing. Initial reports suggested multiple victims, but only a 17-year-old male was struck by gunfire. The teenager was treated and released from a local hospital.

Legal and Immigration Background

The altercation reportedly began between Ayala and the teenager, who was later charged with making a false report to a peace officer. Ayala’s criminal history includes a prior conviction for attempted homicide and criminal trespass while living in the U.S. illegally.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) confirmed that Ayala is subject to an immigration detainer and federal detainer, having been deported twice before. His first deportation followed an immigration judge’s order on August 31, 1999, with his removal occurring on August 30, 2000. After illegally reentering the country, he was deported again in 2006 following an arrest in Dallas.

Community and Law Enforcement Response

Authorities credited the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office’s participation in ICE’s 287(g) program for quickly identifying Ayala’s immigration status and securing a detainer. Gabriel Martinez, Acting Field Office Director for ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations in Houston, highlighted the program’s role in enhancing public safety by preventing the release of dangerous criminal illegal immigrants back into the community.

Ayala is currently held on an $80,000 bond, with records indicating both an ICE hold and federal detainer against him. The case underscores ongoing concerns about illegal immigration and public safety in local communities.

Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.