ICE Asks Local Authorities Not to Release Illegal Alien Charged with Murdering His Wife in Tulsa, Oklahoma

ICE lodged an arrest detainer with our law enforcement partners to ensure this criminal illegal alien is not released back onto America's streets

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) lodged an arrest detainer requesting local authorities not release Willie Ricardo Merida-Escobar, an illegal alien from Guatemala, charged for murder for allegedly strangling his wife and dumping her body near a highway in Tulsa County, Oklahoma.

On April 10, 2026, Tulsa Police Department officers arrested Willie Ricardo Merida-Escobar, 40, on a state charge of first-degree murder. According to local reports, the investigation began when Karla Gramajo-Cabrera was reported missing by her sister. According to police, Escobar confessed to strangling Karla inside their home on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, after an argument in which she insulted him. At the time of the murder, the couple's 17-year-old son was asleep in another room.

Merida-Escobar illegally entered the U.S. in September 2016 and failed to appear for scheduled immigration court in September 2023. In 2023, he was issued a final order of removal from the U.S.

"Willie Ricardo Merida-Escobar, a criminal illegal alien from Guatemala, strangled his wife and dumped her body under a highway in Oklahoma. This monster should have never been in our country," said Acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis. "ICE lodged an arrest detainer with our law enforcement partners in Tulsa County to ensure this sick individual is not released from custody. 7 of the top 10 safest cities in the United States cooperate with ICE. Partnerships with law enforcement are critical to having the resources we need to arrest criminal illegal aliens across the country. Under President Trump and Secretary Mullin, criminal illegal aliens are NOT welcome in the U.S."

Through the 287(g) program, ICE enters into agreements with state and local law enforcement agencies to permit specially trained officers to perform certain immigration enforcement functions under ICE supervision. Deputized officers work in close coordination with ICE to identify, process and, when appropriate, facilitate the removal of illegal aliens encountered in local custody who are removable under federal law.

The public can report crimes and suspicious activity by dialing 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or completing the online tip form.

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