Peruvian Gang Leader Apprehended in New York by U.S. Immigration Officials

Gianfranco Torres-Navarro, a Peruvian gang leader, was apprehended in New York by U.S. immigration officials. He is wanted in Peru and fled after allegedly killing a retired police officer. Torres-Navarro is now in custody at the Buffalo Federal Detention Facility pending immigration proceedings.

A Peruvian gang leader was apprehended by U.S. immigration officials in New York on Wednesday, a spokesperson for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) said on Thursday.

Homeland Security Investigations informed ICE's Buffalo field office last month that Gianfranco Torres-Navarro, 38, was wanted in Peru. Torres-Navarro was transferred to the Buffalo Federal Detention Facility pending immigration proceedings.

ICE's online detainee locator did not list a legal representative for Torres-Navarro. "Gianfranco Torres-Navarro poses a significant threat to our communities, and we won't allow New York to be a safe haven for dangerous non-citizens," ICE Buffalo Field Office Director Thomas Brophy stated.

The U.S. agency did not disclose Torres-Navarro's charges in Peru. He is known as Gianfranco 23 in Peruvian media, relating to alleged victims. Peruvian media report he fled to the U.S. after allegedly killing a retired police officer.

ICE stated that Torres-Navarro entered the U.S. at or near Roma, Texas, on May 16, where he was arrested and served with a notice to appear for immigration proceedings.

(With inputs from agencies.)