Illegal immigrant faces deportation after knife assault

Published by BBNTEAM at June 21, 2023

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Posted: Wednesday, June 21, 2023. 3:38 pm CST.

By Aaron Humes: Salvadoran national Jose Herejía Vigil Vasquez, 31, of no fixed address, has been unable to keep himself out of trouble with the law and as a result is likely headed back home.

Since entering Belize in July of 2022 through the Mopan River near Benque Viejo, he has twice failed to present himself to Immigration authorities and also got into a knife fight in the village of Maskall, Belize District, on June 9.

Appearing before Senior Magistrate Aretha Ford, Vasquez pleaded not guilty to aggravated assault with a knife on one José Rivero but guilty to the Immigration offense of failing to present himself to an Immigration officer.

For the latter charge he was fined $3,500 and cost of court due forthwith, in default a year in jail.

On the former charge, he was denied bail based on being a potential flight risk due to his uncertain legal status, including having no fixed address. He was remanded and will return to court on August 11.

Vasquez also faces an order for removal from Belize pending the outcome of his criminal case as well as any time served if he is unable to pay the Immigration fine.

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