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

Telesforo Cerero-Palacios, a home renovator, was shocked to find himself on the agency's public database of dangerous immigrants despite having no criminal record.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) listed Telesforo Cerero-Palacios, a 53-year-old home renovator in Minnesota, as one of the 'worst of the worst' detained immigrants in the U.S. with serious offenses. However, a DHS document and a review of his criminal records showed he has no criminal history, only minor traffic and parking tickets. Cerero-Palacios said he was detained in 2025 when DHS agents were looking for a relative, and he told them he was undocumented. Despite this, DHS had previously issued him non-immigrant visas three times until 2015. After ABC News began asking questions, DHS removed Cerero-Palacios from the 'worst of the worst' list, but he remains in immigration proceedings.

Why it matters

This case highlights concerns about the accuracy and transparency of DHS's public database of 'criminal illegal aliens,' which the agency has used to justify expanded immigration enforcement operations. Wrongly labeling individuals as dangerous criminals can have profound impacts on their lives and reputations, even if they are later removed from the list.

The details

According to the DHS document, Cerero-Palacios was detained in April 2025 when DHS agents were conducting fugitive operations and interviewed him about his immigration status. The document states he admitted he was undocumented but does not mention any drug-related charges. Despite this, DHS listed him on its public 'worst of the worst' database with an alleged crime of 'dangerous drugs.' A review of Cerero-Palacios' criminal records in Minnesota found only minor traffic and parking tickets, and no drug-related charges.

  • On April 7, 2025, DHS agents detained Cerero-Palacios while conducting fugitive operations.
  • In 1998, Cerero-Palacios was arrested for giving a police officer a false name, but the case was dismissed in 2000.
  • Until 2015, DHS had issued Cerero-Palacios non-immigrant visas three times.

The players

Telesforo Cerero-Palacios

A 53-year-old home renovator in Minnesota who was wrongly listed by DHS as one of the 'worst of the worst' detained immigrants with serious offenses, despite having no criminal record.

Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

The U.S. government agency that maintains a public database of 'criminal illegal aliens,' which it has used to justify expanded immigration enforcement operations.

Gloria Contreras Edin

Cerero-Palacios' attorney, who expressed concern about the significant error in listing him as one of the 'worst of the worst' and worries DHS may be doing this to other people.

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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)

What’s next

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

The takeaway

This case raises serious questions about the accuracy and transparency of DHS's public database of 'criminal illegal aliens,' which has been used to justify expanded immigration enforcement. Wrongly labeling individuals as dangerous criminals can have profound impacts on their lives, even if they are later removed from the list.