Previously Deported Illegal Alien Killed After Shooting at SC Deputies

Floriberto Perez-Nieto, a Mexican national, opened fire on Charleston County deputies before being fatally shot.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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A previously deported illegal alien from Mexico named Floriberto Perez-Nieto was killed after he opened fire on Charleston County, South Carolina, sheriff deputies during a police chase. Perez-Nieto had been sought by deputies as the main suspect in a shooting the day prior. When deputies located him, he tried to evade arrest and shot a deputy in the chest, though the deputy's bulletproof vest prevented injury. Deputies returned fire, fatally shooting Perez-Nieto.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the dangers posed by illegal immigrants who have previously been deported but re-enter the country illegally. It also underscores the risks law enforcement officers face when encountering violent criminals, even those without legal status in the United States.

The details

On February 11, Charleston County deputies were searching for Floriberto Perez-Nieto, a Mexican national, as the main suspect in a shooting the previous day. When they located Perez-Nieto, he attempted to evade arrest and opened fire on the deputies, shooting one deputy in the chest. The deputy's bulletproof vest prevented injury. Deputies then returned fire, fatally shooting Perez-Nieto.

  • On February 11, 2026, Charleston County deputies located Floriberto Perez-Nieto.
  • In February 2019, Perez-Nieto was previously deported from the United States to Mexico.

The players

Floriberto Perez-Nieto

A Mexican national who was previously deported from the United States in 2019 but illegally re-entered the country, leading to a confrontation with Charleston County deputies in which he was fatally shot.

Charleston County Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency that was pursuing Perez-Nieto and engaged in the shootout that resulted in his death.

Department of Homeland Security

The federal agency that confirmed Perez-Nieto's previous deportation and illegal re-entry into the United States.

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What they’re saying

“This criminal illegal alien illegally obtained a firearm and nearly killed a law enforcement officer. Thankfully, the officer's body armor saved his life. There could have been quite a different tragic outcome for this officer and his family.”

— Tricia McLaughlin, Department of Homeland Security (Breitbart News)

The takeaway

This incident underscores the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in dealing with illegal immigrants who have been deported but re-enter the country, sometimes violently. It highlights the need for stronger border security and immigration enforcement to prevent such dangerous situations from occurring.