A 19‑year‑old Honduran national, Angel Matías Castellanos‑Orellana, was reportedly released by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) despite available detention space—only to be arrested later in Louisiana on charges including rape of a 14‑year‑old and a violent armed robbery that included stabbing. The case has drawn sharp criticism from members of the U.S. House of Representatives who say it highlights dangerous consequences of lax immigration enforcement.
Castellanos‑Orellana was first encountered by Border Patrol near Eagle Pass, Texas, on October 6, 2023. He was given a Notice to Appear (NTA) before an immigration judge and released on his own recognizance. The release was justified by agents citing “lack of space” in detention facilities. However, data submitted to Congress indicated that there were thousands of unfilled detention beds when he was released.
Moreover, the DHS file reportedly showed that Castellanos‑Orellana did not claim fear of returning to Honduras—a factor that often grants immigrant release under certain legal protections. Despite lack of justification, he was not detained.
Months later, he allegedly raped a 14‑year‑old girl in Kenner, Louisiana, and also stabbed a man during a separate armed robbery. Local authorities promptly arrested him, charging him with first‑degree rape, aggravated assault, aggravated battery, and armed robbery. ICE placed a detainer on him once he was in local custody.
Reps. Jim Jordan (R‑OH) and Tom McClintock (R‑CA) spearheaded a House Judiciary Committee report detailing this case. They say it demonstrates what they believe are the real-world costs of the Biden‑Harris administration’s immigration policy decisions. Their findings underscore claims that policies leading to releases rather than detention have led to increased public safety risks.
Supporters of stricter immigration enforcement say this example cements the argument for detaining individuals rather than releasing them, especially when red flags—like no credible fear claim—are present. Critics counter that resource constraints and legal limitations complicate DHS’s ability to detain everyone. The case is likely to fuel further debate over where lines should be drawn in immigration enforcement and public safety policy.
