U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Washington, D.C. took custody of a Venezuelan national last week for allegedly carrying a machete, butcher’s knife and a brick at the U.S. Capitol.
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Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Washington, D.C. took custody of 23-year-old Jose Leonardo Marquez-Marquez after he was arrested by U.S. Capitol Police on Tuesday, Dec. 26.
He was charged with carrying a dangerous weapon and possessing a prohibited weapon.
In a Tuesday statement ICE said that Marquez entered the U.S. unlawfully at an unknown date, at an unknown location, and without being admitted, inspected, or paroled by an immigration official.
Marquez was apprehended by U.S. Border Patrol on Aug. 21, 2022, near El Paso, Texas, ICE stated.
However, the 23-year-old Venezuelan national was released the following day due to a lack of detention capacity.
“Jose Leonardo Marquez-Marquez posed a significant threat to people in and around the U.S. Capitol,” said ERO Washington, D.C. acting Field Office Director Patrick Divver.
“Thanks to our law enforcement partners at the U.S. Capitol Police, this threat was mitigated quickly,” Divver said. “Fortunately, Marquez is currently in ERO custody and will face removal proceedings.”
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Marquez had previously reported to ERO Washington, D.C. in October 2023, and was given a notice to appear before a Department of Justice immigration judge.
The Venezuelan national is currently in the custody of ICE ERO Washington, D.C. on an immigration detainer.
