U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has lodged a detainer for Juan Ayala-Montero, a previously deported illegal alien from Mexico, who faces federal charges after a shooting incident in New Caney, Texas, on May 23, 2026. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a statement regarding the detainer.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas, Ayala-Montero allegedly fired a rifle at a group of individuals after an argument escalated, striking one victim in the torso and head. Police subsequently took him into custody. He is now charged with being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm due to his prior deportation.
Ayala-Montero's criminal history includes convictions for homicide, assault, driving under the influence of liquor, and trespassing, along with an arrest for aggravated assault with a gun. ICE has requested Montgomery County officials to transfer Ayala-Montero to ICE custody rather than releasing him.
Acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis said, "This criminal illegal alien, who had already been deported before, now faces federal charges for possession of a firearm as an illegal alien." Bis added that ICE is working with Texas partners to ensure he "will never again roam our streets." Ayala-Montero first illegally entered the U.S. in Arizona in 1983 and was deported in 2006.