Federal immigration authorities have arrested a Salvadoran national wanted in his home country, underscoring the Trump administration’s intensified focus on removing foreign nationals with serious criminal histories from the United States.
According to law enforcement officials, agents with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement apprehended 29-year-old Cristian Alberto Rivas-Escalante at a job site on Marco Island, Florida, in mid-June. Rivas-Escalante was the subject of an active fugitive warrant issued by authorities in El Salvador, where he is wanted in connection with prior criminal activity.
Local officials emphasized that the operation was narrowly targeted and should not be confused with a broader immigration sweep.
“ICE came to the island to locate and arrest a specific individual with an outstanding warrant,” Marco Island Police Department Captain David Ennis said in a statement released to the media. “This was not an immigration raid, despite some public concerns.”
Ennis clarified that federal agents had identified Rivas-Escalante as working in the area and coordinated with local law enforcement to safely take him into custody. “Their focus was solely on this individual due to his criminal background,” he said.
Targeted Enforcement, Not a Workplace Raid
The arrest comes amid increased scrutiny and misinformation surrounding immigration enforcement actions nationwide. Law enforcement officials were quick to stress that the operation did not involve random checks, mass detentions, or the questioning of other workers at the site.
“This was a targeted action based on verified intelligence and an active warrant,” one official familiar with the arrest explained. “No other individuals were detained, and there was no disruption beyond what was necessary to complete the arrest.”
Authorities have not released details about how long Rivas-Escalante had been in the United States or when he initially entered the country. However, ICE confirmed that he had no legal authorization to remain in the U.S. and is now in federal custody pending removal proceedings.
Part of Broader Deportation Push
Rivas-Escalante is among thousands of foreign nationals with criminal records currently being prioritized for removal under President Donald Trump’s renewed immigration enforcement strategy. The administration has directed federal agencies to focus resources on individuals with outstanding warrants, violent histories, or ties to criminal organizations.
Administration officials argue that such actions enhance public safety and correct what they describe as years of lax enforcement that allowed dangerous individuals to remain in the country.
“Removing fugitives and repeat offenders is not controversial—it’s basic law enforcement,” a senior DHS official said. “These are individuals who should never have been here in the first place, and their removal protects American communities.”
Local Officials Back the Arrest
Marco Island authorities supported the federal action, pushing back against claims circulating online that the arrest represented overreach or intimidation.
“Our department worked cooperatively to ensure the arrest was carried out safely and professionally,” Ennis said. “There was no threat to the public, and no broader enforcement activity occurred.”
Law enforcement leaders have increasingly voiced frustration over what they describe as politicized reactions to routine enforcement operations, noting that misinformation can unnecessarily inflame tensions and undermine public trust.
What Happens Next
ICE officials confirmed that Rivas-Escalante will remain in custody while his removal case proceeds. Because he is wanted by authorities in El Salvador, federal officials expect his deportation to move quickly once legal requirements are satisfied.
Officials did not comment on whether El Salvador has formally requested extradition or whether removal will occur through standard deportation channels.
For now, authorities say the arrest serves as an example of how immigration enforcement is intended to function: targeted, intelligence-driven, and focused on individuals who pose a demonstrable risk.
“This is exactly what enforcement is supposed to look like,” one federal official said. “No theatrics. No mass actions. Just the removal of a wanted fugitive.”