Man Arrested with Machete at Capitol Was Illegal Immigrant Released by Biden Admin

An individual identified as Jose Leonardo Marquez-Marquez, a 23-year-old illegal alien from Venezuela, was apprehended by Capitol Police on December 26, 2023, outside the United States Capitol with a machete, a knife, and a brick.

Marquez had previously crossed the U.S. southern border, and details provided by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) indicate that he was arrested by Border Patrol near El Paso, Texas, on August 21, 2022.

Illegal Alien Arrested at Capitol with Machete Was Released into U.S. by Biden DHS https://t.co/VvXqQmjr2N

— deborah green (@NewaiGreen) January 3, 2024

After his arrest at the border, Marquez was released into the U.S. interior through the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Alternatives to Detention (ATD) program on August 22, 2022.

On October 5, 2023, Marquez checked in with ICE agents in Washington, DC, and was issued a Notice to Appear (NTA) before a federal immigration judge at a later date.

Then on December 26, 2023, the U.S. Capitol Police in Washington, D.C. arrested Marquez, charging him with carrying a dangerous weapon and possessing a prohibited weapon.

Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) lodged an immigration detainer against Marquez with the U.S. Marshals Service in Washington, D.C.

The U.S. Marshals Service transferred Marquez to the custody of ERO Washington, D.C., where he received a notice of custody determination.

As of now, Marquez remains in the custody of ICE ERO Washington, D.C.

Enforcement and Removal Operations prioritize effective immigration enforcement to safeguard communities and uphold immigration laws. Unauthorized entry into the United States is a federal violation, and individuals may face administrative arrest or, in certain cases, criminal prosecution.

The U.S. Marshals Service promptly transferred Marquez to ICE custody, where he is currently held. Charges against Marquez include carrying a dangerous weapon and possession of a prohibited weapon.

While Capitol Police stated that Marquez's motives in Washington, D.C., remain unclear, there is no evidence suggesting he targeted members of Congress.