Dallas, Texas - Two men from Mexico were deported Wednesday and turned over to law enforcement authorities based on outstanding warrants for separate crimes of first-degree murder, and kidnapping/illegal imprisonment.

These deportations were conducted by officers with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) in Dallas.

Pedro Cruz-Cardena, 65, and Gilberto Salazar-Villegas, 38, were removed to Mexico from Dallas via Laredo, Texas, and turned over to Mexican officials April 15.

“By removing criminal aliens to their countries of origin, ICE also removes the threat they pose to public safety in local U.S. communities,” said Simona L. Flores, field office director of ERO Dallas.  “At the same time, these removals ensure that aliens who commit crimes abroad do not use the United States as a safe haven from justice in their home countries.”

Cruz-Cardena was convicted in May 2008 in the Southern District of Mississippi for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance and sentenced to 100 months in federal prison.  In June 2009, a federal immigration judge ordered Cruz’s deportation; Cruz waived his right to appeal.  The Mexican government notified the United States that there was an active warrant for Cruz’s arrest for first-degree murder.  Cruz was released to ICE custody March 16, 2015 and deported April 15.

Salazar-Villegas was convicted July 16, 2014 in Collin County (Texas) for driving under the influence and assault.  He was sentenced to 18 months in state prison for each charge.  He was transferred to ICE custody March 2, 2015, and was deported April 15.

Since Oct. 1, 2009, ERO has removed more than 720 foreign fugitives from the United States who were being sought in their native countries for serious crimes, including kidnapping, rape and murder.  ERO works with ICE's Office of International Affairs, foreign consular offices in the United States, and Interpol to identify foreign fugitives illegally present in the country.

In fiscal year 2014, ERO removed 315,943 individuals from the United States. In addition to convicted criminals, the agency's enforcement priorities include those apprehended while attempting to unlawfully enter the United States, illegal re-entrants - individuals who returned to the United States after being previously removed by ICE - and immigration fugitives. In fiscal year 2014, 98 percent of ICE removals met these priorities.