In Dearborn, Michigan, a murder case that stunned the community has brought renewed scrutiny to the nation’s immigration policies.
Epigmenio Gomez, an undocumented immigrant with prior arrests, was charged in February 2007 with the murder of a local teenage girl. Gomez had previously encountered law enforcement, yet remained in the country illegally.
Following a thorough investigation and trial, Gomez was found guilty. On September 11, 2007, he was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison. The conviction provided a measure of justice for the victim’s family, but also prompted public discussion about the gaps in immigration enforcement that allowed a repeat offender to remain in the United States.
Cases like this continue to raise important questions for policymakers and law enforcement alike.
For official records, see the Michigan Department of Corrections Offender Profile for Epigmenio Gomez.