Print Print    Close Close

ICE slams 'open border policies' after four-time deportee murders Tacoma auto dealer

By Emma Bussey

Published September 16, 2025

Fox News
Illegal migrant allegedly kills mom, daughter in 'horrific' head-on car crash Video

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) blasted open border policies after a four-time deportee was convicted of murdering a Tacoma auto dealer. 

A Pierce County jury in Washington state found Jerry Espana-Davila guilty on July 30 of two counts of first-degree murder, two counts of second-degree murder (to merge at sentencing) and unlawful possession of a firearm, according to court documents obtained by Fox News Digital.

ICE confirmed that Mexican national Espana-Davila entered the U.S. illegally at an unknown date and was deported four times. 

His criminal record reportedly dates back to 2000, including charges of DUI, negligent driving and multiple assaults.

ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT CHARGED FOR RAMMING TRUCK INTO FEDERAL OFFICERS IN CALIFORNIA

Jerry Espana-Davila

Jerry Espana-Davila illegally entered the U.S. and had been removed four times before being convicted of first-degree murder. (ICE)

Washington’s sanctuary policies shield illegal immigrants from ICE, effectively making the state a haven for them.

"Jerry Espana-Davila illegally entered the country at an unknown date and time. He’s been removed FOUR times — once in 2005, twice in 2007 and once in 2010," an ICE spokesperson told Fox News Digital.

"Open border policies allowed this criminal illegal alien to repeatedly illegally enter our country and terrorize American citizens."

Already barred from possessing firearms because of a prior felony conviction, Espana-Davila was still able to obtain a weapon. 

According to Pierce County prosecutors, Espana-Davila stalked his latest victim, the 45-year-old auto dealer, before gunning him down Feb. 19, 2024. 

ILLEGAL MIGRANT WITH DUI RAP SHEET FACING VEHICULAR HOMICIDE CHARGES AFTER HEAD-ON CRASH KILLS MOM, DAUGHTER

Espana court documents

Jerry Espana-Davila was convicted of murder after being deported four times and illegally reentering the U.S. (Pierce County )

As first reported by "The Jason Rantz Show", officers were said to have found the victim deceased in a white Hyundai Tucson parked near South 28th and M Street in Tacoma.

According to court documents, surveillance video showed Espana-Davila stalking the victim’s car before he fired shots. 

Espana-Davila fled in a minivan. Detectives eventually connected him to the crime through a black dog that was also seen in the video and was hit by a car before being picked up by animal control.

When Espana-Davila’s girlfriend arrived at the Humane Society to retrieve the dog, detectives were waiting and spotted him nearby. After confirming his identity, they arrested him.

ICE agent

A Washington state law, known as the Keep Washington Working Act, restricts local law enforcement from cooperating with federal immigration authorities.  (John Moore/Getty Images)

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

Washington’s Keep Washington Working Act, signed in 2019, restricts local law enforcement from assisting federal immigration authorities.

With his conviction secured, Espana-Davila faces a possible life sentence. His sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 3.

Emma Bussey is a breaking news writer for Fox News Digital. Before joining Fox, she worked at The Telegraph with the U.S. overnight team, across desks including foreign, politics, news, sport and culture. 

Print Print    Close Close

URL

https://www.foxnews.com/us/ice-slams-open-border-policies-after-four-time-deportee-murders-tacoma-auto-dealer

  • Home
  • Video
  • Politics
  • U.S.
  • Opinion
  • Entertainment
  • Tech
  • Science
  • Health
  • Travel
  • Lifestyle
  • World
  • Sports
  • Weather
  • Privacy
  • Terms

This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. © FOX News Network, LLC. All rights reserved. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Market data provided by Factset. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. Legal Statement. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by LSEG. Do Not Sell my Personal Information - New Terms of Use - FAQ