Jose Francisco Ayala‑Montero, a former deportee with a record that includes homicide and assault, was charged with illegal alien status and firearm possession after a shooting in New Caney, Texas, on May 23. Prosecutors say he threatened a group, returned armed, and fired an Olympic Arms .223 rifle, wounding one victim in the torso and head. ICE agents are now seeking custody of the suspect.

May 23 Shooting: How the Incident Unfolded

According to prosecutors, Ayala‑Montero began making threats against a group of individuals with whom he had gotten into an argument. He then left the group, walked to his resdence, and returned armed with a rifle, which he used to open fire on the individuals. One victim sustained gunshot wounds in the torso and head. Police arrived,heard the gunshots, and began rescuing individuals from the scene. Ayala‑Montero was eventually taken into police custody.

Weapon and Ballistics: Olympic Arms .223 AR‑Style Rifle

Police recovered an Olympic Arms .223 AR‑style rifle with a scope from Ayala‑Montero’s bedroom.. They also found about 30 spent .223 casings at the scene of the shooting. the rifle’s specifications and the numer of casings suggest a rapid, sustained attack.

ICE Detainer and Federal Custody Effort

ICE has lodged a detainer against Ayala‑Montero with Montgomery County, Texas, officials, asking them not to release the illegal alien until federal agents can take custody of him. Lauren Bis from the Department of Homeland Security said because Texas cooperates with ICE, they will work with partners to ensure this killer will never again roam the streets.

Ayala‑Montero’s Long‑Standing Criminal History

ICE officials say Ayala‑Montero’s criminal record includes convictions for homicide, assault, drunk driving, aggravated assault with a gun, and trespassing. He first crossed the United States‑Mexico border into Arizona in 1983 and was deported to his native Mexico in 2006. a year later, Ayala‑Montero illegally re‑entered the U.S., a felony.

Who Is the Unnamed Victim?

Prosecutors have not yet released the identity of the victim who sustained gunshot wounds in the torso and head. The lack of a public name raises questions about the potential impact on the victim’s family and the community’s sense of safety.