On June 10, Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Baltimore apprehended Nahun Ventura Ortiz-Isaguriz, an unlawfully present Honduran national convicted of drug distribution charges in Maryland. Ortiz-Isaguriz, 36, was arrested near his residence in Ellicott City. Deportation officers from ERO’s Fugitive Operations Team conducted the operation.
Nahun Ventura Ortiz-Isaguriz has been convicted of distributing poison to the residents of our Maryland neighborhoods
, stated ERO Baltimore acting Field Office Director Matthew Elliston. Allowing such offenders to remain in the U.S. allows them to disproportionately target and victimize members of migrant communities. ERO Baltimore aims to prioritize public safety by removing egregious noncitizen offenders from Maryland.
History of Past Deportations
The U.S. Border Patrol first apprehended Ortiz on Dec. 10, 2009, after he unlawfully entered near Penitas, Texas. He was transferred to ERO Harlingen and subsequently removed to Honduras on Dec. 30, 2009. Ortiz reentered the U.S. unlawfully soon after and was arrested by ERO Los Angeles on Aug. 16, 2011. Transferred to ERO Phoenix, he was removed again on Sept. 8, 2011.
Recent Arrest and Conviction
Despite his previous removals, Ortiz returned to the U.S., evading inspection or legal admission processes. On March 22, 2023, he was arrested by Howard County Police Department in Maryland on drug charges including possession with intent to distribute. That same day, an immigration detainer was lodged against him by the Pacific Enforcement Regional Center with Maryland’s Howard County Detention Center.
Court Ruling and Release
On Aug. 23, 2023, the Circuit Court for Howard County sentenced Ortiz to 20 years in prison followed by two years of probation for distributing narcotics. However, the court suspended all but 155 days of his sentence, leading to his release on Aug. 23, 2023. The Howard County Police Department refused to honor the immigration detainer and released him from custody
, authorities reported.
EFForts to Increase Public Safety
ERO Baltimore’s Fugitive Operations Team captured Ortiz again in Ellicott City on June 10 and issued a notice for him to appear before an immigration judge. He remains in their custody pending removal proceedings.
ERO’s commitment affirms its mission: protecting communities, managing detained populations, and repatriating noncitizens issued with final removal orders. Their coordinated efforts across domestic field offices reiterate their dedication to enforcing immigration laws efficiently while maintaining public safety.
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