Man who was removed from the country twice before arrested in targeted ICE operation in Spring: DHS

SPRING, Texas (KTRK) -- U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents arrested a man during a targeted operation in the Spring area on Wednesday, according to a U.S. Department of Homeland Security spokesperson.

The man identified as Jorge Erick Lopez De La Pena from Mexico has a criminal history for convictions for assaulting a family member and interfering with an emergency request for assistance, DHS spokesperson said.

The Harris County Sheriff's Office has confirmed that their deputies responded to a 911 call Wednesday at 8:06 a.m. from an individual identifying themselves as an agent with ICE.

According to HCSO, the caller claimed that a suspect with weapons charges had fled from ICE agents in unmarked vehicles and crashed into a home in the 19300 block of Saint Winfred Drive. The caller also alleged that the suspect was potentially armed and had entered the residence. HCSO deputies arrived on the scene at 8:20 a.m. and say they quickly established that there was no threat to the community.

HCSO deputies left the scene at 9:12 a.m. after confirming that federal authorities had secured the area and were managing the situation effectively.

De La Pena entered the U.S. on Nov. 6, 2009 through Brownsville, Texas on a B2 visa, allowing him to remain in the country for a month, but overstayed his visa, according to DHS. On Sept. 28, 2011, De La Pena was taken into ICE custody, DHS confirmed. DHS added that he was arrested again on Aug. 10, 2020, and he was removed from the country again on Aug. 19, 2020.