Cristian Mondragon-Fajardo, the young suspect arrested in a shooting incident in Texas, has been identified as an illegal immigrant.
The 17-year-old suspect in an Austin shooting has been identified as an illegal immigrant, prosecutors said Tuesday.
Cristian Mondragon-Fajardo is one of three suspects who allegedly carried out 12 separate shootings across the city over the weekend, leaving three people injured and one victim in critical condition.
The other two suspects, aged 15 and 16, have not been identified because of their age.
When Mondragon-Fajardo appeared in court on Tuesday, prosecutors revealed that the ICE detainer had been released following his arrest on Sunday, according to Fox 7 Austin.
“The ICE detainer adds another layer to their system,” said Criminal Defense & Immigration Attorney Robert Jimenez.
The incident comes after a retired Austin police officer criticized left-wing leadership, accusing the city council of adopting policies that weaken law enforcement in the face of violence, including taking away critical police equipment.
Last weekend’s violent crime spree targeted the city’s first responders, with shots fired at two Austin Fire Department stations and three fire trucks. Authorities say other incidents include the shooting of five cars and four homes, and the theft of a gun and five cars.
Mondragon-Fajardo was reportedly charged with six counts, including two counts of unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, two counts of aggravated vehicular assault, theft of firearms and evading arrest by vehicle.
Prosecutors say Mondragon-Fajardo is being held without bond, saying he is a danger to the community and could be deported if released, the source said.
With an ICE detainer present, immigration agents requested that local law enforcement notify ICE before releasing the suspect and holding him for 48 business hours, allowing federal authorities to take deportation action.
However, the detainee does not demonstrate that ICE can handle the criminal case quickly.
“That will only come into play if he is no longer authorized to be held in federal custody,” Jimenez said, according to Fox 7.
ICE may become involved at a later date, either after the completion of a prison sentence or parole, when Mondragon-Fajardo may face removal proceedings.
Jimenez reportedly added that immigration detentions could also affect defense strategy, which could shape how attorneys approach any plea negotiations given the potential immigration consequences.
“You can get a plea deal, but that plea deal can still lead to serious immigration consequences,” Jimenez said.
Mondragon-Fajardo also has a warrant for stealing a gun from a local store, where a 15-year-old suspect is accused of stealing another weapon on Saturday.
It is unclear whether the defendants and Mondragon-Fajardo are being processed through a separate juvenile justice system because of their ages.
