BALTIMORE, MD — A Salvadoran national affiliated with the violent 18th Street gang was arrested by federal immigration agents in Hyattsville after local Maryland authorities released him despite an ICE detainer, officials announced.
Brayan Eleazar Angulo-Barrios, 26, was taken into custody by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement on April 22. He had previously been convicted of multiple firearms and drug offenses, including possession with intent to distribute and possession of a loaded handgun. ICE had issued a final order of removal for Angulo on the same day he was arrested.
Key Points:
- ICE arrested 18th Street gang member Brayan Angulo-Barrios on April 22 in Maryland.
- Prince George’s County corrections officials released Angulo despite an ICE detainer.
- Angulo has prior convictions for gun and drug crimes and violated probation earlier this month.
ICE criticizes non-cooperation from local corrections officials
According to ICE, Angulo illegally entered the U.S. at an unknown time and location. Despite his criminal history, the Prince George’s County Department of Corrections declined to honor a detainer issued on April 19, releasing him on April 23 after he was charged with violating probation.
“Once again, Prince George’s County — a non-cooperative jurisdiction — has chosen to release a criminal alien back into the community,” said ICE Baltimore Deputy Field Office Director Vernon Liggins. “This decision reflects a policy that prioritizes non-cooperation over addressing public safety threats.”
Angulo was convicted in Montgomery County in 2022 for possession of a loaded handgun in a vehicle and received a 110-day jail sentence. A year later, he was convicted in Prince George’s County for possession with intent to distribute and received a year in prison and probation.
Final deportation order issued by ICE
Angulo was arrested most recently on April 18 for a probation violation. Despite the detainer lodged a day later, he was released before ICE could take custody.
ICE now holds Angulo pending his removal to El Salvador. Officials reiterated that non-cooperation from local jurisdictions forces the agency to increase street-level enforcement.
ICE arrests armed gang member with violent record after Maryland jail release.