WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced today that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has lodged arrest detainers for three criminal illegal aliens from Venezuela—Yosguar Aponte-Jimenez, Jose Trivino-Cruz, and Jesus Bellorin-Guzman—who have been charged with capital murder related to a June 20 shooting at a Motel 6 in Garland, Texas.
Investigators linked the shooting of 48-year-old Santiago Lopez Morales to an aggravated robbery that occurred around 2 a.m. at the Deluxe Inn. According to local reports, two Hispanic men forcibly entered a woman’s hotel room, held her at gunpoint, sexually assaulted her, and stole cash, jewelry, and her ID before fleeing the scene.
ICE has lodged detainers with local authorities to ensure the suspects remain in custody and are not released back into U.S. communities.
Authorities say the three criminals admitted targeting prostitutes, assuming they were less likely to report crimes. Aponte-Jimenez confessed to committing over 25 robberies, while Trivino-Cruz admitted to two additional robberies on the same day as the shooting.
“Three depraved criminal illegal aliens from Venezuela were released into the U.S. under the Biden administration and are now facing capital murder and robbery charges,” said ICE Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “Thanks to the efforts of ICE law enforcement, these criminals’ crime spree is over. They have no place in the United States and will be removed after facing justice.”
Yosguar Aponte-Jimenez crossed the southern border illegally on May 3, 2023, and was released into the U.S. He is charged with capital murder and remains in custody.
Jose Trivino-Cruz entered illegally via the CBP One app on October 9, 2024, and was released. He faces charges including capital murder, aggravated robbery, and assault.
Jesus Bellorin-Guzman also entered illegally through CBP One on January 6, 2025, and was released. He faces capital murder and aggravated robbery charges.
All three suspects remain in custody pending further legal proceedings.
