Two illegal Guatemalan immigrants who skipped their court hearings have been arrested in Maryland after one allegedly murdered his girlfriend and the other helped conceal her body in a forest.
Key Takeaways
- Keycy Robinson Alexis Barrera-Rosa, 23, was arrested for allegedly murdering his Guatemalan girlfriend, Lesbia Mileth Ramirez Guerra
- His uncle, Rolvin Eduardo Barrera-Barrera, 37, was charged with helping conceal the victim’s body in Cedarville State Forest
- Both suspects entered the U.S. illegally near El Paso in 2019 and evaded immigration court hearings
- ICE officials arrested Barrera-Rosa on April 5 after he reported his girlfriend missing on March 31
- The case highlights public safety concerns surrounding illegal immigrants who evade deportation proceedings
Murder and Cover-Up by Illegal Guatemalan Immigrants
ICE officials arrested 23-year-old Keycy Robinson Alexis Barrera-Rosa in La Plata, Maryland on April 5 in connection with the murder of his girlfriend, Lesbia Mileth Ramirez Guerra. His uncle, 37-year-old Rolvin Eduardo Barrera-Barrera, was also apprehended and charged as an accessory to the crime for allegedly helping conceal the victim’s body. The remains of Ramirez Guerra, who was also a Guatemalan national, were discovered buried in Cedarville State Forest after Barrera-Rosa reported her missing on March 31, an action authorities believe was part of a cover-up attempt.
History of Immigration Violations
Both suspects have a documented history of immigration violations spanning several years. U.S. Border Patrol records show that Barrera-Rosa and his uncle were initially apprehended near El Paso, Texas, on April 10, 2019, after illegally crossing the southern border. Both men were served notices to appear before immigration judges but subsequently failed to attend their scheduled hearings, effectively evading deportation proceedings. This allowed them to remain in the country illegally for nearly five years before their involvement in the murder case.
“The arrest of these two individuals marks a significant step towards justice,” said Vernon Liggins, ICE Baltimore acting Field Office Director.
Legal Proceedings and Detention
Following their arrests, both men now face serious criminal charges in connection with the homicide. Barrera-Rosa was formally charged with first-degree murder on April 18, nearly two weeks after his initial ICE apprehension. He is currently being held at the Farmville Detention Center in Virginia awaiting extradition to Maryland to face the murder charges. His uncle, Barrera-Barrera, was charged with accessory after the fact of murder on the same day and remains in custody without bond at the Charles County Detention Center.
ICE Officials Emphasize Public Safety Mission
ICE officials have highlighted this case as an example of their commitment to public safety by removing dangerous illegal immigrants from communities. The agency continues to encourage public participation in identifying potential threats, offering multiple reporting mechanisms including a dedicated hotline and online tip form. ICE Baltimore has been particularly vocal about this case on their social media platforms, emphasizing the importance of interagency cooperation in apprehending dangerous individuals who enter the country illegally.
“This heinous crime not only devastated a community but also reinforced the urgent need to prioritize public safety by identifying, arresting, and removing egregious illegal aliens who threaten our neighborhoods, said Vernon Liggins, ICE Baltimore acting Field Office Director.
Broader Implications for Border Security
This case highlights the potential consequences of inadequate border enforcement and failed immigration court processes. Both suspects managed to remain undetected in the United States for years after skipping their immigration hearings, ultimately leading to a violent crime that could have been prevented through proper enforcement of existing immigration laws. The tragic murder of Ramirez Guerra underscores President Trump’s continued emphasis on border security and the need for more rigorous tracking of illegal entrants who fail to appear for court proceedings.
