Alleged MS-13 Gang Member Picked Up In Huntsville Deported

By Selina Xia Zamacois

HUNTSVILLE, TEXAS — The Department of Homeland Security announced that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations has removed Isaias Jose Rodriguez Manzanares, a Honduran national, following the completion of a Texas prison sentence and a final order of removal issued by a Department of Justice immigration judge.

Rodriguez‑Manzanares was removed to Honduras on June 20, 2026. According to ICE, he is a self‑admitted MS‑13 gang member and an associate of the Cartel del Noreste, a criminal organization based in Mexico. ICE stated that he entered the United States illegally at an unknown time and location.

Criminal History and Encounters With Law Enforcement

• January 2024 – Irving, Texas:
  Rodriguez‑Manzanares was first encountered by immigration authorities after being arrested by the Irving Police Department for a liquor‑related offense. ICE reports that his alleged MS‑13 affiliation was known at the time.
• June 16, 2025 – Colleyville, Texas:
  He was arrested on charges of manufacturing or distributing a controlled substance and unlawfully carrying a weapon.
• December 19, 2025 – Conviction:
  Prosecutors reduced the charges, and he was convicted of felony possession of a controlled substance. He received a two‑year prison sentence.
• May 20, 2026 – Transfer to ICE:
  After completing his sentence, the Texas Department of Criminal Justice in Huntsville transferred him to ICE custody.
• June 2, 2026 – Removal Order:
  A DOJ immigration judge issued a final order of removal, clearing the way for deportation.

Acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis praised the cooperation between Texas law enforcement and ICE, stating that coordinated efforts allowed federal authorities to take custody of Rodriguez‑Manzanares after his prison term. Bis also criticized prior federal handling of the case, asserting that earlier opportunities to detain him were not acted upon.

The press release attributes gang affiliation and cartel association to Rodriguez Manzanares based on ICE’s statements and his reported admissions. Independent documentation of those affiliations was not included in the release.

The timeline of arrests, conviction, and transfer to ICE custody is based on official law‑enforcement records referenced by DHS.