The Department of Homeland Security announced that Immigration and Customs Enforcement lodged an arrest detainer against two Mexican nationals charged with violent crimes in a home invasion in Pitt County, North Carolina. Federal officials said the detainer ensures the suspects will be transferred to ICE custody after local criminal proceedings.
The case involves multiple felony charges stemming from an early-morning incident on February 11 in Greenville, North Carolina. Local authorities arrested the suspects with assistance from the U.S. Marshals Service, while the victim was transported to ECU Health Medical Center and survived.
ICE Detainer Issued in North Carolina Case
The Department of Homeland Security stated that ICE lodged detainers against Zaid Mayen-Esteban and Jonathan David Garcia-Larios following their arrests on charges including assault with a deadly weapon, kidnapping, burglary, and sexual offenses.
According to DHS, both individuals are Mexican nationals who entered the United States illegally, with one previously removed in 2024. The detainer requests notification before release so federal authorities can assume custody.
Meanwhile, the Pitt County Sheriff’s Office reported that deputies responded to a home on Louis Street at approximately 3:16 a.m. and determined the incident was a home invasion.
Investigators from the agency’s major crimes and forensic units processed the scene for evidence. Emergency medical personnel transported the victim for treatment of serious injuries.
Local Investigation and Charges
Arrest warrants cited by the Pitt County Sheriff’s Office list first-degree burglary, first-degree kidnapping, first-degree sexual offense, and assault with intent to kill inflicting serious injury.
The sheriff’s office said the crime appeared targeted rather than random, and the investigation remains ongoing. Evidence related to the case was reportedly recovered at a separate location in Chapel Hill.
Additionally, local authorities confirmed that both suspects were held in county detention facilities pending further legal proceedings. Jail records indicate one suspect was booked without bond, reflecting the severity of the charges. Federal immigration enforcement actions will proceed independently of the state criminal case.
DHS Says Immigration Hold Placed on Suspects
The Department of Homeland Security explained that ICE detainers are administrative requests asking local law enforcement to hold an individual for up to 48 hours beyond scheduled release.
According to ICE policy guidance, this period allows federal officers to assume custody for immigration proceedings. The process does not replace criminal prosecution at the state level.
However, DHS noted that detainers are commonly used when individuals are identified as removable under immigration law. In this case, officials cited illegal entry and prior removal history as factors. The agency emphasized that criminal charges will be adjudicated in North Carolina courts before any potential immigration action.
| Indicator | Recent Movement | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Incident date | February 11, 2026 | Pitt County Sheriff’s Office response to reported home invasion |
| Arrests | February 13, 2026 | U.S. Marshals Service and local law enforcement operation |
| ICE detainer | Lodged after arrests | DHS action to ensure federal custody after local proceedings |
- Victim status: Pitt County Sheriff’s Office reported the injured victim survived after treatment at ECU Health Medical Center
- Federal involvement: DHS confirmed ICE detainer placement following notification from local authorities
- Ongoing investigation: The sheriff’s office stated detectives continue to pursue additional evidence and leads
DHS Announces Federal Immigration Enforcement Action
Federal officials emphasized that immigration enforcement actions are separate from criminal justice proceedings handled by state authorities. ICE custody decisions occur only after local charges are resolved or bail conditions are met. This structure allows both systems to operate within their respective legal frameworks.
Additionally, DHS stated that cooperation between federal and local agencies facilitated the arrests and subsequent detainer placement. The U.S. Marshals Service frequently assists in apprehending fugitives and coordinating multi-agency operations.
Authorities indicated that further updates will depend on developments in the criminal case.
Bottom Line
The ICE detainer lodged in this case ensures federal immigration authorities will be notified before the suspects are released from local custody. State prosecutors will first determine criminal liability under North Carolina law.
The case illustrates how federal immigration enforcement measures can intersect with local criminal investigations in serious violent crime cases. Officials say coordination between agencies will continue as legal proceedings move forward.
Sources: U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Pitt County Sheriff’s Office.
Prepared by Ivan Alexander Golden, Founder of THX News, an independent news organization delivering timely insights from global official sources.
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