SC New York News

Today, Congressman Nick Langworthy issued a statement in response to the detention of Antonio Prieto, an illegal immigrant from Venezuela accused of murdering his wife with an axe. Prieto is currently held by the Erie County Sheriff’s Office.

Langworthy criticized the Biden-Harris Administration's border policies, stating, “It’s absolutely outrageous that an illegal immigrant who brutally murdered his own wife with an axe was able to enter this country under the policies of Border Czar Kamala Harris and commit such a heinous crime right here in our own backyard.” He added that the previous administration had effective border security measures which have since been dismantled, resulting in what he describes as a crisis allowing violent offenders into communities.

The congressman also expressed gratitude towards local law enforcement: “I want to extend my deepest gratitude to the brave men and women of the Erie County Sheriff’s Office who have gone above and beyond the call of duty to keep our community safe in the face of this border crisis.”

Erie County Sheriff John C. Garcia commented on the broader implications for local taxpayers due to immigration issues. He stated, “The immigration crisis continues to impact the taxpayers of Erie County. Antonio Prieto...is currently being housed at the Erie County Holding Center.” Garcia highlighted that Prieto is among six individuals with immigration detainers at county facilities and could be removed from the United States by ICE.

Garcia further explained, “The allegations of which Mr. Prieto must defend himself are abhorrent. Now, for the indefinite future, he will be a drain on Erie County resources.” He noted that constant observation and medical care for Prieto would incur significant costs for local authorities.

Sheriff Garcia called on federal authorities to take more decisive action regarding immigration issues to prevent similar incidents in the future.