His prison sentence is over. His trip out of the country is just beginning. Jose Jairo Rivas-Santiago Photo Credit: US ICE 07/13/2026 9:18 p.m. Virginia officials turned over a convicted murderer and suspected MS-13 associate to US Immigration and Customs Enforcement after honoring a federal immigration detainer, the agency announced.Jose Jairo Rivas-Santiago, 32, a Honduran national, was taken into ICE custody on June 15 after completing the portion of his incarceration that made him eligible for release from the Virginia Department of Corrections.According to ICE, Rivas-Santiago was arrested by Homeland Security Investigations agents in Richmond in April 2019 on charges tied to an MS-13 gang-related killing. Agents then turned him over to the Richmond Police Department for prosecution. In April 2021, he was convicted of first-degree murder and armed robbery and sentenced to 30 years in prison.After his sentencing, ICE lodged an immigration detainer with Coffeewood Correctional Center."After Rivas-Santiago's sentencing, ICE lodged an immigration detainer with the Coffeewood Correctional Center, where he was serving his sentence," acting ICE Director David J. Venturella said. "The Virginia Department of Corrections honored our detainer and notified us of his release, and he's now in ICE custody awaiting removal." Federal officials said Rivas-Santiago first entered the United States illegally in July 2011, when US Border Patrol agents apprehended him near Carrizo Springs, Texas. He was turned over to juvenile authorities at the time.ICE said Rivas-Santiago was processed under a previously issued final order of removal and is now awaiting deportation to Honduras. Click here to follow Daily Voice and receive free news updates.