A 24-year-old man from El Salvador, Christopher Alexis Rodriguez Flores, was deported by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on April 9. Rodriguez was wanted in his home country for the rape of a minor and was located and removed by ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) team in San Antonio, Texas.
ICE officers worked closely with their counterparts in El Salvador through the Security Alliance for Fugitive Enforcement (SAFE) taskforce. Rodriguez was flown on a special ICE Air Operation Charter flight and handed over to Salvadoran authorities without any issues.
Details of the Case and Deportation
Rodriguez entered the U.S. illegally and was caught by U.S. Border Patrol near Eagle Pass, Texas, on July 16, 2024. He was taken into custody and processed for removal.
Just two days later, on July 18, 2024, he was transferred to ICE’s San Antonio field office to await the outcome of his immigration case. He remained in custody for several months while his case was reviewed.
On January 29, 2025, an immigration judge officially ordered that Rodriguez be removed from the U.S. and sent back to El Salvador, where he is facing serious criminal charges.
ICE’s Commitment to Public Safety
According to ICE San Antonio’s Acting Field Office Director Sylvester M. Ortega, this removal is a clear example of ICE’s continued efforts to prevent criminals from using the U.S. as a place to hide from justice. Ortega stated, “They will find no refuge in the United States,” reinforcing ICE’s mission to locate and deport individuals who pose a threat to public safety.
This case highlights the importance of cooperation between international law enforcement agencies and shows that the U.S. will not tolerate individuals fleeing their countries to avoid prosecution.
What Is the SAFE Taskforce?
The Security Alliance for Fugitive Enforcement (SAFE) taskforce is a program that helps locate and return foreign nationals who have committed serious crimes and are wanted in their home countries. It allows U.S. immigration officers to work directly with local law enforcement in countries like El Salvador, ensuring that criminals are held accountable for their actions.
How the Public Can Help
ICE encourages anyone who knows about criminal activity, immigration violations, or suspicious behavior to report it. Members of the public can contact the ICE Tip Line by calling 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or filling out the online tip form on the ICE website.
The case of Christopher Alexis Rodriguez Flores serves as a strong reminder that individuals who commit serious crimes in their home countries and try to hide in the U.S. will not be allowed to stay. Through effective international cooperation and quick legal action, ICE successfully removed Rodriguez and ensured he would face justice in El Salvador. ICE continues to prioritize public safety by removing foreign nationals who pose a threat to communities across the country.
