A man arrested in Collin County faces an immigration detainer and a charge of making a terroristic threat causing fear of serious bodily injury.
Downi Gerado Medina Almendares, 32, was booked into the Collin County jail in the early hours of June 1, according to jail records. He is being held on a federal immigration detainer and a separate Class B misdemeanor charge of making a terroristic threat. His bond for the misdemeanor offense was set at $2,000.
An immigration detainer is a request from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to a local law enforcement agency to hold an individual arrested on local charges for up to 48 hours beyond their scheduled release. The goal is to give ICE time to determine whether to take custody for possible immigration violations. While the presence of a detainer does not prove that someone is in the country illegally, detainers are frequently issued for individuals suspected of being in the U.S. without legal status.
Almendares’s mugshot photo shows numerous cuts to his face, forehead, and mouth that appear to be recent. There is also considerable irritation to the skin around his nose and mouth, including signs of possible incoming bruises, indicating that the suspect must have had some injurious contact with another person or object.
The charge of “terroristic threat cause fear of imminent serious bodily injury” refers to a threat made with the intent to cause someone to fear that they are in immediate danger of suffering serious physical harm. Under Texas law, this is a Class B misdemeanor punishable by up to 180 days in jail and a fine of up to $2,000. Prosecutors must prove the threat was credible and that it caused actual fear.
Almendares is listed in jail records as a 68-inch-tall, 150-pound male with brown eyes and black hair. His race is noted as white. The felony immigration detainer is listed as “unassigned,” meaning no bond is currently available for that charge.
The Collin County Sheriff’s Department made the arrest. At this stage, the charges against Almendares are merely allegations, and he is innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
This event follows the apprehension of several dozen aliens under immigration detainers in Collin County in May, The Dallas Express reported.