Earlier this week, U.S. Marshals arrested Walter Betancourth, a 46-year-old Honduran citizen, after his appearance in federal court on charges related to fish and wildlife violations at Cape Hatteras National Seashore. Following the arrest, Betancourth was transferred to the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
According to court documents, Park Rangers observed a group of five Hispanic men on June 15, 2025, who were found to be overfishing red drum. The investigation determined that Betancourth and others poached 16 red drum, exceeding the daily limit of one per person. Several of the fish were also above the legal size limit and should have been released. Records indicate that Betancourth had a final order of removal from the United States issued on April 14, 2022.
“Illegal Aliens come to our land and exploit our national resources doing as they please because they completely disregard our shared values, customs, and rules. North Carolina strictly regulates our fish to ensure their availability to all North Carolina citizens now and in the future. This sort of disgusting disregard for our natural bounty is exactly the sort of behavior you might expect from someone who chose to unlawfully enter and illegally remain in the United States, ignoring a final order of removal,” said U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle. “Let this serve as a reminder to those aliens who are illegally present – we will find you and send you back no matter where you are or what you are doing – even just fishing at the beach. I commend the fine cooperation of the Park Rangers, the Marshals, and ICE in effectuating Betancourth’s deportation.”
The arrest was made possible through collaboration between ICE, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina, and the U.S. Marshals Service. These agencies continue joint efforts with other components of the Department of Justice and Department of Homeland Security regarding immigration enforcement.
Ellis Boyle, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement.
