A Mexican national opened fire on his neighbors after an argument in Texas. He had already been deported from the U.S. twice. The 60-year-old illegal immigrant, Juan Ayala Montero, was arrested on May 24.

Ayala Montero has a previous attempted homicide conviction in his criminal record. Montero discharged his weapon during a neighborhood confrontation, firing nearly 31 rounds. Authorities confirmed this during their investigation. Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that Ayala Montero had a long gun, and he used it to fire at multiple individuals and their homes actively. The police received multiple 911 calls from the neighborhood.

When the authorities reached the Kings Colony neighborhood, Ayala Montero went back to his home and locked himself inside. After a long standoff with the SWAT team, he was taken into custody.

The witnesses were scared due to constant firing, but still tried to de-escalate the situation. They pleaded with him to put down the gun, but he kept firing. Only one person was injured in the shooting. A bullet struck a 17-year-old on the head. He was taken to the hospital for treatment and later released.

The shooting started after Ayala Montero argued with the Texas teenager. He made a false report to a peace officer. According to the investigators, he had provided wrong information to law enforcement. As a result, the false account hindered the investigation.

After being deported twice, Ayala Montero has come to the country again illegally. Turns out he was placed on an immigration detainer and a federal detainer. Moreover, he was convicted on charges of criminal trespassing and attempted homicide. He was living in America illegally at the time.

He was deported to Mexico on August 30, 2000, after a judge ordered his removal from the U.S. in 1999. After this, immigration officials came after him again in 2006. At that time, he was arrested by the Dallas Police Department. Ayala Montero was taken to ICE custody and sent back to Mexico.

The date of his third illegal entry remains unknown. It is also unclear how many times he may have entered the country illegally. Currently, he’s being held at the Montgomery County jail on an $80,000 bond. He has been charged with deadly conduct. Apart from this, a federal detainer and ICE hold have been placed on him. Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office was appreciated for quickly recognizing Ayala Montero’s immigration status.

ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Houston Acting Field Office Director Gabriel Martinez said in a statement, “The arrest and placement of an immigration detainer on this violent criminal illegal alien is another example of the positive impact that the 287(g) program has on increasing public safety in our local communities.”

After the incident, many MAGA supporters called for an immigrant crackdown. They also criticized Democrats who have opposed ICE’s role in the operation.