The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has publicly criticized mainstream media outlets for referring to the suspect in a recent violent machete attack in Wisconsin as a "Green Bay man," asserting that he is, in fact, an illegal immigrant from Nicaragua. The suspect, identified as 24-year-old David Joel Herrera-Garcia, faces charges including two counts of attempted murder, aggravated assault, and armed burglary.
DHS revealed that Herrera-Garcia was classified as a "non-enforcement priority" by the Biden administration. The alleged attack occurred on April 20, when Green Bay police responded to an emergency call at a residence. Upon arrival, officers discovered a man and a woman, both severely injured and covered in blood. Evidence of the struggle was visible throughout the property, with blood found on the concrete leading to the house.
The female victim, identified as Herrera-Garcia's 23-year-old ex-girlfriend, identified him as her assailant. Authorities apprehended Herrera-Garcia later that same morning. Following his arrest, DHS placed an immigration detainer on Herrera-Garcia, requesting that the Brown County Jail hold him for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody, potentially leading to deportation.
Acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis of DHS issued a statement directly addressing the media's characterization. "Yet again, legacy media has gone to bat for a vicious criminal illegal alien allowed by the Biden administration to roam our streets and prey upon innocent people," Bis stated. She emphasized that Herrera-Garcia is not merely a "Green Bay man" but an illegal alien from Nicaragua responsible for a brutal assault.
According to the charges, Herrera-Garcia allegedly used a key to gain unauthorized entry into his ex-girlfriend's home. Once inside, he reportedly proceeded to assault both her and a male victim with a machete. Responding officers were forced to apply tourniquets to the victims before they were transported to a local hospital for treatment. The female victim sustained significant injuries, including a head wound and lacerations to her hand and neck.
The male victim, whose age was not specified, suffered injuries to his shoulder, forearm, and shin. DHS records indicate that Herrera-Garcia entered the United States illegally in Texas in 2019, accompanied by his father. He was subsequently issued a final order of removal in 2022 after failing to appear for his scheduled immigration hearings.
However, DHS noted that in the final days of the Biden administration, ICE exercised prosecutorial discretion, designating Herrera-Garcia as a "non-enforcement priority." This decision came after a prior arrest by local law enforcement on charges of driving without a license, during which ICE reportedly chose not to take him into custody.
"The Biden administration marked this criminal illegal alien as a non-enforcement priority," Bis reiterated. "This is not a ‘Green Bay man.’ This is a criminal illegal alien from Nicaragua who barbarically attacked two people with a machete." She contrasted this with the Trump administration's approach, stating, "Under President Trump’s leadership, ICE lodged an arrest detainer with our local authorities to ensure this monster is never released back into our communities."
This incident occurs amidst ongoing debate and increased scrutiny of sanctuary policies in various jurisdictions nationwide, which limit cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities. DHS has previously voiced concerns that such policies hinder ICE's ability to detain and deport individuals who pose a risk to public safety.
