ICE Boston arrests foreign fugitive wanted for aggravated homicide in El Salvador

BOSTON - ICE Boston arrested Leonel Santos-Diaz, a twice-deported foreign fugitive and criminal illegal alien from El Salvador, during targeted immigration enforcement operations Sept. 2 in Chelsea.

Santos-Diaz was arrested in El Salvador on charges of aggravated homicide, illegal human trafficking, disorderly conduct and resisting arrest. He is also a suspect in an ongoing investigation into aggravated robbery, threats and sexual aggression.

"Sadly, this is yet another example of what the dishonest media will portray as a non-criminal arrest, despite Leonel Santos-Diaz being charged with aggravated homicide and human trafficking in his home country," said acting ICE Boston Field Office Director David T. Wesling. "The ironically named 'Protect Act' in Massachusetts is designed to shield individuals like Santos-Diaz from arrest and deportation. Do any Massachusetts residents really feel protected by his presence in their community? While sanctuary politicians in Massachusetts choose to prioritize criminal aliens, ICE Boston will continue to aggressively pursue President Trump's agenda of making our cities safe for American citizens."

If you come to the U.S. illegally and break our laws, we will find you and arrest you, and you will never return. Under President Donald Trump, Secretary Markwayne Mullin and acting ICE Director David J. Venturella, criminal illegal aliens are not welcome in the United States.

If you have information about criminal alien activity in your community, call the ICE Tip Line at 866-DHS-2-ICE or complete the online tip form.

ICE Boston protects the homeland by arresting and removing those who undermine public safety and violate immigration laws in New England. Learn more about its public safety mission on X at @EROBoston.