Minnesota Man Mistakenly Placed on DHS 'Worst of the Worst' List

Telesforo Cerero-Palacios, a home renovator, was shocked to find his name and photo on the government's list of 'dangerous' immigrants.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Telesforo Cerero-Palacios, a 53-year-old 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. However, a DHS document showed that Cerero-Palacios has no criminal history, and an ABC News review found only minor traffic and parking tickets, but no drug-related charges. DHS has since removed Cerero-Palacios from the list, but he spent 16 days in immigration detention last year and is still in immigration proceedings.

Why it matters

This case highlights concerns about the accuracy and transparency of DHS's 'worst of the worst' database, which has been used to justify expanded immigration enforcement operations. The mistaken inclusion of Cerero-Palacios on the list raises questions about the vetting process and the potential for other individuals to be wrongly targeted.

The details

According to the DHS document, agents entered Cerero-Palacios' home in April 2025 looking to detain a relative, and during the interview, he admitted to being undocumented. The document states that in 1998, Cerero-Palacios was arrested for giving a police officer a false name, but the case was dismissed in 2000. Despite this, DHS appears to have issued him a non-immigrant visa three times until 2015. An ICE spokesperson cited the 1998 arrest in a statement, but it's unclear what drug charge the spokesperson was referring to.

  • On April 7, 2025, DHS agents entered Cerero-Palacios' home looking to detain a relative.
  • In 1998, Cerero-Palacios was arrested for giving a police officer a false name, but the case was dismissed in 2000.
  • Cerero-Palacios spent 16 days in immigration detention last year and was released after posting a bond.
  • Cerero-Palacios has a hearing about his case in April.

The players

Telesforo Cerero-Palacios

A 53-year-old home renovator in Minnesota who was mistakenly placed on the DHS 'worst of the worst' list despite having no criminal history.

Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

The federal agency that maintains the 'worst of the worst' database of detained immigrants with serious offenses, which incorrectly included Cerero-Palacios.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

The DHS agency that cited Cerero-Palacios' 1998 arrest in a statement, although it's unclear what drug charge the spokesperson was referring to.

Gloria Contreras Edin

Cerero-Palacios' attorney, who shared a letter from the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension indicating no record was found for her client.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

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

— Telesforo Cerero-Palacios (ABC News)

“I have to believe in my heart that it was an error or a mistake, but it's such a significant error and such a significant mistake that it worries me that they may be doing this to other people.”

— 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 (ABC News)

What’s next

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

The takeaway

This case highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability in DHS's immigration enforcement practices, particularly when it comes to the accuracy of its 'worst of the worst' database and the potential for wrongful targeting of individuals with no criminal history.