Howard County’s Release of Convicted Rapist Sparks ICE Backlash

Howard County is under fire for releasing Alex Yonatan Flores-Arce, a convicted rapist, not once, but twice. Flores-Arce pleaded guilty to raping a teen and was sentenced to time served plus probation. ICE requested he be held for deportation, but Howard’s Liberty Act prohibits detaining individuals based on immigration status. The 20-year-old failed to check in with parole, leading to a second arrest—and another release. This time, ICE was waiting and took him into custody. Howard officials say they’re following local law, but critics, including federal authorities, are frustrated. It’s a heated debate highlighting the collision of immigration, local policy, and public safety.