A New Orleans French Quarter tour guide named Kristie Thibodeaux was killed in a robbery attempt by an illegal immigrant and two minors. At least one of the three suspects arrested in connection to Thibodeaux’s death was an illegal immigrant with a criminal history, according to an updated report from Fox News.
News Orleans police arrested a 19-year-old, a 17-year-old, and a 15-year-old the day after Thibodeaux, 43, was murdered. The 15-year-old is being charged with pulling the trigger of the gun. He had an active arrest warrant at the time and was wearing an ankle monitor when he allegedly murdered Thibodeaux, according to New Orleans-based FOX 8. The 19-year-old is charged with illegally being in America. Joshua Bonifacio-Avila, 19, is a Honduran national.
A spokesman for Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) confirmed that Bonifacio-Avila entered the United States in 2019 near Hidalgo, Texas. It was determined by ICE at the time that Bonifacio-Avila could not enter the country. It’s unclear how or when he did get in. Per an ICE spokesman, beginning in February of 2024, this illegal immigrant has been booked for five local violations including theft and delinquency of juveniles.
“On May 11, 2019, U.S. Border Patrol encountered Bonifacio near Hidalgo, Texas, and determined him to be inadmissible into the U.S. pursuant to the Immigration and Nationality Act,” an ICE spokesperson told Fox News. “On multiple occasions, Bonifacio has been arrested for theft and contributing to the delinquency of juveniles. Since February 2024, Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office has booked Bonifacio for five local violations.”
It’s unclear whether the minors are in the US legally as ICE does not have purview over juveniles. “This man should have never been in Louisiana,” Gov. Jeff Landry posted to X. “Enough is enough. We must close our borders and keep our communities safe.”
This piece first appeared at TPUSA.
