Minnesota Man Wrongly Labeled 'Worst of the Worst' by DHS

Telesforo Cerero-Palacios says he has no criminal record, but was detained and listed as a dangerous drug offender

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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Telesforo Cerero-Palacios, a home renovator in Minnesota, was shocked to find himself listed as one of the 'worst of the worst' detained immigrants by the Department of Homeland Security, with an alleged crime of 'dangerous drugs.' However, a DHS document and a background check showed Cerero-Palacios has no criminal history, and the agency appears to have removed him from the list after questioning.

Why it matters

This case raises 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. It also highlights the potential for individuals to be wrongly labeled as dangerous criminals, with significant consequences for their lives and reputations.

The details

Cerero-Palacios says he was detained by DHS agents in April 2025 while they were looking for a relative, and he was questioned about his immigration status. A DHS document shows he was arrested in 1998 for giving a false name to police, but the case was dismissed in 2000. The document 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 appears to have removed Cerero-Palacios from the list.

  • On April 7, 2025, DHS agents detained Cerero-Palacios and questioned him about his immigration status.
  • In 1998, Cerero-Palacios was arrested for giving a false name to police, but the case was dismissed in 2000.
  • Cerero-Palacios spent 16 days in immigration detention in 2022 before being released on bond.
  • Cerero-Palacios has a hearing about his immigration case scheduled for April 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.

Gloria Contreras Edin

Cerero-Palacios's attorney, who says his inclusion on the 'worst of the worst' list is a significant error that worries her that DHS may be doing this to other people.

Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

The federal agency that listed Cerero-Palacios on its 'worst of the worst' database of detained immigrants, citing a 'dangerous drugs' offense, despite his lack of criminal history.

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What they’re saying

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

— Telesforo Cerero-Palacios (ABC News)

“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's 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 (ABC News)

What’s next

Cerero-Palacios has a hearing about his immigration case scheduled for April 2026, where he will continue to fight to clear his name and address the DHS's erroneous labeling of him as a dangerous criminal.

The takeaway

This case highlights the potential for serious errors and lack of transparency in DHS's 'worst of the worst' database, which has been used to justify aggressive immigration enforcement actions. It underscores the need for greater oversight and accountability to ensure individuals are not wrongly targeted or have their reputations unfairly damaged.