ICE Las Cruces arrests a criminal alien fugitive while serving an arrest warrant

LAS CRUCES, N.M. - ICE Homeland Security Investigations arrested criminal alien and fugitive Jesus Luis Cuevas-Pacheco, 47, of Mexico, after receiving information that he was allegedly threatening family members with violence and engaging in the sale of narcotics.

On Sept. 27, while serving a warrant for reentry after deportation, Cuevas fled from agents in a vehicle, then on foot, before barricading himself inside a residence in Vado, New Mexico. After repeated commands to surrender were ignored, agents breached the front door and safely apprehended him without incident.

"The arrest of this criminal alien sends a strong message: HSI will not tolerate those who prey on the vulnerable and jeopardize the safety of our communities. HSI's mission is clear: to protect the innocent, uphold the law, and remove dangerous individuals from our streets," said HSI El Paso Special Agent in Charge Jason T. Stevens. "This fugitive's history of violent crimes and his attempt to evade arrest demonstrate the critical need for our work. Thanks to the dedication and professionalism of our agents, this individual is now in custody and no longer poses a threat to our community."

Cuevas first entered the United States sometime before 2003 at an unknown location. On March 13, 2003, he was encountered in Dallas, where he was issued an order of removal. Two days later, he was removed through the Laredo Port of Entry in Texas. Between 1994 and 2022, he was arrested multiple times for criminal sexual penetration of a child, possession with intent to distribute narcotics, and battery. On April 8, 2002, he was convicted of narcotics trafficking and served a one-year prison term.

Cuevas is currently facing criminal charges for illegal reentry after deportation. If convicted, he could face substantial penalties, including imprisonment, followed by removal from the U.S.

HSI worked in close collaboration with federal and local law enforcement to locate and apprehend Cuevas.

This arrest underscores HSI's commitment to enforcing immigration laws, removing dangerous individuals from communities, and safeguarding the nation's borders.