Undocumented Immigrant Charged With Maryland Teen Murder Amid ICE Detainer

Hugo Hernandez-Mendez, a 35-year-old man living in the U.S. illegally, has been charged with the murder of 19-year-old Dacara Thompson, whose body was found near Route 50 in Maryland after she was reported missing. Authorities believe Thompson was killed in Hernandez-Mendez's home in Bowie before her body was dumped near the highway. Surveillance footage showed Thompson entering Hernandez-Mendez’s black SUV shortly before her disappearance, and police have issued an ICE detainer on him. Hernandez-Mendez was previously arrested for a DWI in April but was released pending court, a fact that has drawn criticism. Maryland Governor Wes Moore and Prince George’s County officials have condemned the violence and pledged to use all resources to bring justice. The investigation is ongoing, and police are seeking further information from the public.