News Releases

Upstate New York fugitive arrested in Vermont

ALBANY, N.Y. - Late Wednesday evening, special agents with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in Albany, N.Y., located wanted fugitive Luis Gomez-Cruz, 34, a Mexican national.

Gomez-Cruz was wanted by the New York State Police for assault in the 1st degree.

HSI special agents from the Albany office detained Gomez-Cruz in Pownal, Vt., pursuant to an arrest warrant issued by the New York State Police, and was turned over to Vermont State Police.

"I am pleased that my agents in Albany were able to assist the New York State Police in the swift apprehension of this fugitive," said Lev Kubiak, special agent in charge of ICE HSI in Buffalo, N.Y. Kubiak oversees the Albany office. "This is a clear example of the exemplary partnerships ICE has here in New York and we commend their critical efforts."

On the evening of Oct. 24, 2010, Gomez-Cruz stabbed two relatives with a knife several times in Valatie, N.Y. Gomez-Cruz then fled the scene. The New York State Police contacted HSI for assistance in the investigation. Once contacted, HSI special agents out of the Albany office started a search for Gomez-Cruz.

On Oct. 27, 2010, HSI received an investigative lead from the New York State Police that Gomez-Cruz might have fled to a farm in Pownal, Vt. At the farm, Gomez-Cruz was encountered and arrested without incident.

Gomez-Cruz was transported by HSI special agents to the Vermont State Police barracks in Shaftsbury, Vt., where he was placed into the custody of the Vermont State Police as a fugitive. He is currently being held on $250,000 bond pending extradition to New York.

ICE's Office of Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) has filed a detainer against Gomez-Cruz. He will be transferred to ICE custody once his criminal case is completed.