U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has deported an illegal alien wanted for murder in his home country, the Department of Homeland Security announced.
David Vargas-Rivera, described by federal officials as a criminal illegal alien, was handed over to Mexican authorities on July 14, according to a statement released by DHS. ICE Dallas had taken him into custody in Frisco, Texas, on January 12.
DHS identified Vargas-Rivera as a high-level oil thief and hitman tied to the Santa Rosa de Lima Cartel, which the U.S. government has designated as a foreign terrorist organization.
Officials said he is the subject of an international warrant stemming from multiple homicides in Mexico. His prior record also includes an arrest in Canada on allegations of assault on a peace officer and uttering threats, as well as an arrest in Colombia, according to the department.
Vargas-Rivera has additionally been accused of laundering more than $4.6 million through real estate transactions in 2025, DHS said.
“This criminal illegal alien is wanted for murder in Mexico, has been accused of laundering more than $4.6 million, and has been identified as a hitman affiliated with the Santa Rosa de Lima Cartel, a foreign terrorist organization,” Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis said.
“Thanks to the hard work of the men and women of ICE and our law enforcement partners, he has been removed from our country and will face justice for his crimes back in Mexico. Under President Trump and Secretary Mullin, we are putting the safety of the American people first.”
