David DePap, the man accused of brutally attacking Paul Pelosi last week, was in the United States illegally and could face deportation, the Department of Homeland Security announced late Wednesday.
“US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) filed an immigration detainer on Canadian national David Depp at the San Francisco County Jail on November 1 following his arrest on October 28,” the department said.
ICE releases so-called immigration “detainers” to federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to notify them that the agency intends to take custody of a person and requests that ICE be notified before release.
The inmate is unlikely to affect DePape’s case, as deportations often occur after criminal cases are resolved. But after the conviction and prison sentence, the US would normally seek deportation.
According to federal records, DePape, a Canadian citizen, entered the country in early March at the San Ysidro port of entry, which is located along the California-Mexico border, as a temporary visitor. Generally, Canadians visiting for business or pleasure do not need a visa and are allowed to stay in the US for six months.
DePape, 42, has been charged with a string of felonies, including assault, attempted murder and attempted kidnapping, after last week’s break-in at Pelosi’s San Francisco home, the U.S. attorney’s office and the San Francisco attorney’s office announced Monday. Francisco.
He was charged with one count of “attempted kidnapping of a US official,” according to the US Attorney’s office for the Northern District of California. That charge relates to Nancy Pelosi, whom Depp told police he planned to “hold hostage,” according to an FBI affidavit also unsealed Monday.
DePape pleaded not guilty Tuesday to all state charges during his initial court appearance. He has yet to file an appeal in federal court.
