Obama Judge Orders Release of Four-Time Deported Illegal Alien MS-13 Gang Member with History of Rape

US District Judge Susan Nelson, an Obama appointee, ordered the release of a four-time deported MS-13 gang member from El Salvador with a history of rape.

Mar. 18, 2026 at 12:20am

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A federal judge has ordered federal immigration authorities to release an illegal immigrant gang member with multiple unlawful entries into the United States and whose criminal history includes rape and robbery. U.S. District Judge Susan Richard Nelson, an Obama appointee, ordered the release of Carlos Antonio Flores-Miguel, an MS-13 gang member from El Salvador, from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody.

Why it matters

This case highlights concerns about the release of violent criminals, especially repeat offenders, and the potential threat they pose to public safety. It also raises questions about the judicial philosophy and decision-making of Obama-appointed judges in immigration and criminal justice cases.

The details

Flores-Miguel was arrested by ICE in Minneapolis in January 2026 after violently resisting by punching and kicking ICE law enforcement officers and allegedly grabbing an ICE officer's gun holster. He is a four-time deported criminal illegal alien from El Salvador and a member of the MS-13 gang, with a criminal history that includes rape and robbery.

  • On January 20, 2026, ICE arrested Carlos Flores-Miguel in Minneapolis.
  • In January 2022, Flores-Miguel was released into the United States under the Biden administration.

The players

Susan Richard Nelson

An Obama-appointed U.S. District Judge who ordered the release of Carlos Antonio Flores-Miguel from ICE custody.

Carlos Antonio Flores-Miguel

A four-time deported MS-13 gang member from El Salvador with a criminal history that includes rape and robbery.

Lauren Bis

The Acting Assistant Secretary who criticized the judge's decision to release Flores-Miguel, calling it "inexcusably reckless".

Kilmar Abrego Garcia

Another MS-13 gang member who was ordered released from custody by a separate Obama-appointed judge, Paula Xinis.

Paula Xinis

An Obama-appointed judge who ordered the release of MS-13 gang member Kilmar Abrego Garcia from custody.

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What they’re saying

“This activist, Obama-appointed judge RELEASED Carlos Antonio Flores-Miguel, a criminal illegal alien from El Salvador and MS-13 gang member, from ICE Custody. Releasing violent criminals is inexcusably reckless and now this criminal will be able to perpetrate more crimes against innocent Americans.”

— Lauren Bis, Acting Assistant Secretary

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Carlos Antonio Flores-Miguel to remain released on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing debate over the release of violent criminals, especially repeat offenders, and the potential impact on public safety. It also raises concerns about the judicial philosophy of Obama-appointed judges in immigration and criminal justice cases.