DHS Wrongly Lists Minnesota Man as 'Worst of the Worst' Immigrant

Telesforo Cerero-Palacios says he has no criminal history, but was still labeled a dangerous drug offender by the agency.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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Telesforo Cerero-Palacios, a home renovator in Minnesota, was shocked to learn that the Department of Homeland Security had listed him as one of the 'worst of the worst' detained immigrants in the U.S. with serious offenses, despite having no reported criminal history. DHS later removed him from the list after questioning, but the incident has left Cerero-Palacios feeling his reputation has been ruined.

Why it matters

This case highlights concerns about the accuracy and transparency of DHS's 'worst of the worst' database, which the agency has used to justify expanded immigration enforcement operations. The inclusion of individuals like Cerero-Palacios, who appear to have no criminal history, raises questions about the vetting process and potential for abuse of such databases.

The details

According to a DHS document, agents detained Cerero-Palacios in April 2025 while conducting a fugitive operation, at which point he admitted he was undocumented. The document states he was previously arrested in 1998 for giving a false name to police, but the case was dismissed in 2000. It makes no mention of any drug-related charges. Despite this, DHS listed Cerero-Palacios on its 'worst of the worst' website, citing a 'dangerous drugs' offense. After ABC News began inquiring about the case, DHS removed Cerero-Palacios from the list, but has not provided an explanation.

  • On April 7, 2025, DHS agents detained Cerero-Palacios while conducting a fugitive operation at his home.
  • In 1998, Cerero-Palacios was arrested for giving a false name to police, but the case was dismissed in 2000.
  • DHS listed Cerero-Palacios on its 'worst of the worst' website at some point prior to ABC News' inquiries in 2026.

The players

Telesforo Cerero-Palacios

A 53-year-old home renovator in Minnesota who says he has no criminal history, but was wrongly listed by DHS as one of the 'worst of the worst' detained immigrants.

Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

The U.S. government agency that maintains a database of the 'worst of the worst' detained immigrants, which incorrectly included Cerero-Palacios.

Gloria Contreras Edin

The attorney representing Cerero-Palacios, who says the government's claims about him have profoundly affected his life.

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What they’re saying

“What happened here? Why does their system say this about you?”

— Telesforo Cerero-Palacios

“This illegal alien was previously arrested for giving a false name to a peace officer. The FBI number connected to this drug charge is linked to multiple aliases, including Telesforo Cerero-Palacios. We will give you more information on this case shortly.”

— ICE spokesperson (ABC News)

“What is interesting is we come to find that he's on 'worst of the worst' so it's like, why is he on there? They would have never released him if he had been a drug dealer. They would have never let him out on a bond and then I wonder how many other people are they doing that to.”

— Gloria Contreras Edin, Cerero-Palacios' attorney (ABC News)

“Imagine how many others have seen my photo? My reputation is ruined, they'll say 'Oh, I thought he was a hard worker, but he's involved with drugs.'”

— Telesforo Cerero-Palacios

What’s next

Cerero-Palacios has a hearing about his immigration case scheduled for April.

The takeaway

This case highlights the potential for abuse and inaccuracy in DHS's 'worst of the worst' database, which has been used to justify expanded immigration enforcement operations. The inclusion of individuals like Cerero-Palacios, who appear to have no criminal history, raises serious concerns about the vetting process and transparency of such databases.