ICE arrests convicted drug dealer due to immigration dispute

PHILADELPHIA (WPHL) — Convicted drug dealer, Anderson Nunez-Hernandez, a citizen of the Dominican Republic, has been apprehended by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) after the agency claims Philadelphia Sheriff’s Office refused to honor the immigration detainer ICE placed on him.

Nunez-Hernandez was apprehended on February 21 as he was leaving the Philadelphia Industrial Correctional Complex after completing a 23-month sentence for possession with intent to distribute.

“Failing to honor immigration detainers compromises public safety and squanders taxpayer funds. It forces ICE to divert substantial resources to locate and apprehend criminal aliens in unpredictable, high-risk public areas,” said ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Philadelphia acting Field Office Director Brian McShane.

“Instead of facilitating the safe transfer of criminal aliens from local to federal law enforcement within the secure confines of a facility, the Philadelphia Sheriff’s Office releases these individuals onto the streets without coordinating with federal officials.”

“We urge officials in Philadelphia to prioritize public safety over politics and collaborate with ICE to protect the public and support our national security objectives,” continued McShane.

Nunez-Hernandez was arrested by U.S. Border Patrol in October 2021 for entering the United States without admission by an immigration official near McAllen, Texas.

He was issued a notice to appear before an immigration judge, paroled from ICE custody and scheduled to report for immigration removal proceedings in Philadelphia on Dec. 1, 2021.

During this time, Nunez-Hernandez was investigated by the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Bureau of Narcotics Investigation, after an extensive narcotics investigation led officers to Nunez-Hernandez.

A search warrant was executed and a large amount of fentanyl was seized from Nunez-Hernandez.

Nunez-Hernandez was convicted in the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia County for the offense of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance.

Anyone with information can report crimes or suspicious activity by dialing the ICE Tip Line at 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or completing the online tip form.