Guatemalan Man Facing Murder Charge In Death Of His Brother To Be Deported From MD

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, MD — A Guatemalan citizen living in Hyattsville who authorities said illegally entered the U.S. three times has been arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Rene Pop-Chub, 32, faces charges of murder, second-degree assault and reckless endangerment in the death of his brother.

In August 2024, Pop-Chub was charged for the murder of his brother, Crisantos, WMAR reported. Police believe Pop-Chub pushed Crisantos down during a fight in Prince George's County, causing his head to hit the ground, which resulted in his death.

While Prince George's County has a policy that police will not contact U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement for civil removal proceedings, but the county's police will work with immigration agencies if someone is wanted on a criminal immigration warrant or in connection with suspected crimes, FOX Baltimore reported.

Acting County Executive Tara H. Jackson said in a statement to the TV station: "We want to be clear: we called ICE upon Mr. Pop-Chub's release because he had a prior conviction for involuntary manslaughter. Contrary to any suggestion that ICE was denied access — an ICE agent was on-site the day of Mr. Pop-Chub’s release and did communicate with PGCDOC staff."

Pop-Chub was released from custody April 8 and arrested by ICE Baltimore April 12.

U.S. Border Patrol agents arrested Pop-Chub June 13, 2013, in Falfurrias, Texas, and deported. He was later removed from the U.S. to Guatemala on Sept. 24, 2013. His third arrest came in Cowlic, Arizona, on Dec. 11, 2017, after federal officials said he illegally reentered the U.S.; he was deported to Guatemala on Dec. 28, 2017, according to the department.

At an unknown date and point after that, immigration authorities said Pop-Chub returned to the United States, and made his way to Prince George's County.