NEW YORK — A Guatemalan national wanted for murder charges was removed Thursday by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) officers.

Filadelfo Cardona Martinez, 40, was escorted by ERO officers via an ICE Air Ops charter flight destined for Guatemala, where he was turned over to local authorities. He entered the United States legally, but failed to depart the U.S. as required. In March 2017, Interpol issued a Red Notice for Cardona Martinez based on an arrest warrant issued on Feb 10, 2006, by the Judge of First Instance of Crimes against the Environment of the Chiquimula Department (Guatemala), charging Cardona Martinez with homicide.

“We will not allow violent criminals to seek refuge from justice within our borders. Not only will we continue to seek out dangerous criminals who pose a threat to our communities, but they will be removed,” said Thomas R. Decker, field office director for ERO New York. “Cardona’s removal reflects ERO's commitment to public safety in the United States and also abroad. We will continue to ensure that our cities are made safer while these lawbreakers face consequences in their home countries.”

It is alleged that Cardona Martinez was seen when he caused wounds with a firearm to another man on March 16, 1999, in the village of Valle Dolores of the Municipality of San Jacinto of the Department of Chiquimula. The individual later died in the hospital as a result of the gun wounds.

In December 2016, ICE Assistant Attaché for Removals, Guatemala, notified ERO New York that Cardona Martinez is wanted in Guatemala for homicide and was believed to be residing in the New York area. On March 3, 2017, ERO New York arrested Cardona Martinez in Brewster, NY on immigration violations. Later the same month, Interpol Guatemala issued a Red Notice seeking Cardona Martinez for homicide.

On April 14, 2017, an immigration judge in New York ordered Cardona Martinez removed from the United States to Guatemala, paving the way for his repatriation.