FBI Arrests Texas Illegal Immigrant Gunman: Shocking New Details

Breaking Update

Francisco Oropesa, the suspected gunman accused of fatally shooting five people in Cleveland, Texas, was arrested by the FBI on Tuesday evening. Oropesa was found hiding in a laundry closet after a four-day manhunt. Following his capture, additional arrests have been made in connection to the shooting.

While the exact number of arrests is unknown, it is reported that as many as five people were taken into custody. Among those arrested is Divimara Lamar Nava, the wife of Oropesa, who is currently in custody according to the Montgomery County Jail roster as reported by Fox News. Oropesa is an illegal immigrant who has been deported five times, with the most recent deportation occurring in 2016 when he was encountered by ICE. The deceased victims were from Honduras, and at least one of them, Velazquez Alvarado, was legally residing in the United States.

Previous Updates

Mexican National Deported Four Times Before Alleged Murder of Five Hondurans

Authorities are seeking Francisco Oropeza Perez-Torres, a Mexican citizen aged 38, for allegedly murdering five Honduran migrants in a rural area of Cleveland, Texas. According to the San Jacinto County Sheriff, Greg Capers, Breitbart reports that Oropeza has been deported by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers on four separate occasions, with the most recent deportation taking place in 2016. In March 2009, an immigration judge ordered Oropeza to leave the United States, and he was deported to Mexico later that same month by ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations officers.

However, Oropeza illegally returned to the U.S. and was subsequently removed again in September 2009, January 2012, and July 2016. In addition, Oropeza was convicted of driving under the influence in 2012 by a Texas court and sentenced to an undisclosed period of imprisonment.

Five Migrants Killed in Alleged Shooting by Oropeza

The alleged murders of five migrants occurred when one of them complained of Oropeza firing a rifle outside their home shortly before midnight on a Friday night. Of the ten people present at the time of the shooting, five lost their lives. The victims were identified as Julisa Molina Rivera (31), Sonia Argentina Guzman (25), Diana Velazquez Alvarado (21), Jose Jonathan Casarez (18), and Daniel Enrique Laso (8). The eight-year-old boy died at the hospital, while the other four were found dead at the scene.

On Twitter, Texas Governor Greg Abbott initially announced a $50,000, then eventually an $80,000 reward for any information regarding the killer, saying:

“I’ve announced a $50K reward for info on the criminal who killed 5 illegal immigrants Friday. Also directed #OperationLoneStar to be on the lookout. I continue working with state & local officials to ensure all available resources are deployed to respond.”

Out of the five individuals who lost their lives, four were illegal immigrants from Honduras. The only exception was Velazquez Alvarado, who was granted a prominent residency status on December 7, 2021.

Authorities Continue to Search for Suspect

A multi-agency task force continues to search for Oropeza, who remains at large. During a Saturday press conference, Sheriff Capers and the FBI announced that they had recovered Oropeza’s cell phone and some discarded clothing, but the suspect remains armed and dangerous. Sheriff Capers stated that they believe they have the murder weapon in their possession, but Oropeza could be armed with a smaller weapon.

The latest reports indicate that the reward for information leading to the capture of Oropeza has been increased to $80,000.

Alexander J. Williams III