Illegal Immigrant with Prior Deportation Killed After Shooting Charleston Deputy
CHARLESTON, S.C. — A tense confrontation unfolded in the early hours of February 11 when a criminal illegal immigrant, previously deported and convicted of felony illegal re-entry, shot a Charleston County deputy in the chest during a traffic stop on Johns Island. The deputy survived the shooting due to the protection of body armor, while the suspect was fatally wounded in the return fire, according to officials from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
The suspect was identified as Floriberto Perez-Nieto, a Mexican national with a documented history of illegal entry and prior deportation. Authorities said the incident began the previous evening when deputies from the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office responded to reports of shots fired around 9 p.m. on February 10. Despite an initial search, Perez-Nieto was not located at that time.
However, at approximately 3 a.m. the next day, deputies received another call from Perez-Nieto himself, who had returned to the area. When officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop, the situation escalated rapidly, resulting in the suspect opening fire on the deputy. The deputy’s body armor absorbed the impact of the bullet, preventing a fatal injury.
Law enforcement returned fire, fatally wounding Perez-Nieto at the scene. The deputy was immediately transported to a hospital for treatment and is expected to recover. The incident has prompted renewed discussions about the challenges law enforcement faces when dealing with individuals who have prior deportations and criminal records.
The Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has long highlighted the risks posed by repeat offenders who re-enter the country illegally. Perez-Nieto’s case underscores the ongoing difficulties in managing border security and immigration enforcement, especially in jurisdictions where cooperation with federal authorities varies.
Officials have emphasized that the deputy’s survival was largely due to the use of body armor, a critical safety measure for law enforcement officers nationwide. The Charleston County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting and is cooperating with federal agencies to review the suspect’s immigration history and criminal record.
This incident comes amid broader national debates about immigration policy and law enforcement protocols. Data from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection indicates that illegal re-entry after deportation remains a significant enforcement challenge, with thousands apprehended annually. The DHS has called for enhanced measures to improve coordination between local and federal agencies to prevent such violent encounters.
The community has expressed support for the injured deputy and concern over the dangers officers face during routine stops. Authorities urge anyone with information related to the case to come forward as investigations proceed.
For further details on law enforcement safety protocols and immigration enforcement, visit the DHS Law Enforcement page and the ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations site.
Leave a Reply