Fugitive Venezuelan national convicted of murder found in Massachusetts state-provided housing

BOSTON — Enforcement and Removal Operations Boston arrested an unlawfully present fugitive convicted of homicide in Venezuela who resided in state-provided housing on Joint Base Cape Cod in Bourne on Oct. 27.

The Venezuelan national, 38-year-old Jordano Gotopo-Lopez, failed to disclose his previous homicide conviction to U.S. Border Patrol officials when they arrested him for unlawfully entering the United States in Eagle Pass, Texas, on July 31. He was processed and given a notice to appear at ICE offices within 60 days, which he failed to do.

“The people of Massachusetts have a right to be made aware of potential risks to their public safety, especially when an unlawfully present fugitive living in housing provided by the Commonwealth, is present in their community,” said ERO Boston Field Office Director Todd M. Lyons. “ERO Boston remains committed to identifying, apprehending and seeking the removal of unlawfully present fugitives who pose a real threat to public safety. We will continue to safeguard our communities and fulfill our mission in Massachusetts and throughout New England. The hospitality of the people of the Commonwealth must never be taken advantage of by those who violate our immigration system and threaten the security of our residents.”

When authorities encountered him at his state-provided housing, the Venezuelan citizen admitted that he had been convicted of homicide and was wanted in Venezuela for violation of his sentencing conditions since 2006. After being alerted through law enforcement notifications of his failure to report to immigration officials within 60 days, ERO Boston officers arrested the Venezuelan national on October 27.

The Venezuelan national will remain in ERO Boston custody pending removal from the United States.