Mexican Fugitive Cornered in Bradley Beach

A Mexican national who settled into Bradley Beach after re-entering the US illegally is going back again to stand trial for murder, according to information from U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Heriberto Montoya-Merino, 24, was flown to Brownsville, Texas, accompanied by members of ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO), and apprehended by Mexican authorities, officials said.

Montoya-Merino was returned to Mexico last year, re-entered the U.S. without authorization and was arrested on November 19 by ERO agents, Bradley Beach police and Monmouth County investigators.

More than 720 fugitives hiding in the U.S. have been rounded up by ERO and returned to their homelands since October 1, 2009, officials said, facing charges including murder, kidnapping and rape. ERO collaborates with ICE's Office of International Affairs, foreign consulates in the States and Interpol.

"ICE takes its responsibility toward public safety very seriously. Individuals who flee their home country in order to avoid prosecution will be arrested by ERO," said John Tsoukaris, field office director of ERO Newark.