A Guatemalan man wanted in his home country for a string of serious offenses, including child abuse, violence against women, and abuse of power, has been deported after being arrested in Pennsylvania. Romeo Pop Sacui, a citizen of Guatemala, was initially apprehended by U.S. Border Patrol in 2019 but was released under the Alternatives to Detention program, according to a press release from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
However, Sacui later absconded and was subsequently removed from the program by ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Miami. A Justice Department immigration judge ultimately ordered his removal from the United States.
In September 2024, Harrisburg Police arrested Sacui for simple assault and strangulation. Later that month, ERO Philadelphia arrested him and eventually deported him to Guatemala on October 22.
“Protecting the American public is a key priority for ERO officers,” said Cammilla Wamsley, ERO Philadelphia Field Office Director. “Our officers routinely arrest and remove violent criminal noncitizens, such as Romeo Pop Sacui, who have broken laws in their home country and continue to do so in the U.S.”
This case shines a spotlight on the ongoing debate surrounding immigration enforcement and border security in the United States. With the 2024 presidential election looming, the issue of immigration has become a major point of contention, particularly between former President Donald Trump and his Democratic opponents.
Trump has repeatedly vowed to pursue what he calls the “largest mass deportation in American history”, while his opponents have focused on reforming the immigration system and providing a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants.
The arrest and deportation of Sacui, a man wanted for serious crimes in his home country, is a case that will likely fuel the debate on immigration policy moving forward. It raises questions about the effectiveness of the current system and the balance between protecting the public and providing opportunities for immigrants.