MIAMI – A Mexican national wanted by law enforcement authorities in his native country for murder was turned over to Mexican law enforcement authorities Thursday by officers with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) in Miami.

Gustavo Pizano-Lara, 30, departed Miami International Airport Thursday morning on his way to his final destination of Brownsville, TX where he was turned over to authorities in Mexico via the Brownsville, Texas port of entry.

Pizano-Lara had been a fugitive from the authorities since April, when Interpol in Mexico issued a Red Notice for murder.

In November 2015, Pizano-Lara was attending his sister’s wedding when he was involved in an altercation that ended outside of the banquet hall. Numerous suspects started throwing rocks until the victim was knocked out. It is alleged that Pizano Lara then grabbed a large stone with both of his hands and let it fall on the victim’s head which subsequently led to his death.

Pizano-Lara, who had been previously removed twice, March 6, 2012 and July 16, 2012, had his removal order reinstated in May.

“Returning this fugitive to Mexico is a prime example of how ICE works closely with our international law enforcement partners to identify, locate and deport aliens who are wanted in their home countries for allegedly committing crimes,” said Marc J. Moore, field office director for ICE ERO in Miami. “ICE prioritizes the arrest and removal of convicted criminal aliens. As a result, our communities are safer and more secure.”

ICE ERO Miami coordinated the removal of Pizano-Lara with the ICE Attaché office in Mexico and the Mexican National Police.