US Immigration Deports $100 Million Jewellery Heist Accused, Halting Prosecution

• Jeson Nelon Presilla Flores, accused in a $100 million jewellery heist, was deported to Ecuador by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
• Flores was among seven indicted for the 2022 theft of gold, diamonds, rubies, emeralds, and luxury watches from a Brink's semitrailer in Grapevine, Texas.
• His deportation in late December effectively halted the prosecution, despite facing up to 15 years in prison for conspiracy and theft charges.
• Flores, a lawful permanent resident, opted for deportation while in ICE custody since September, waiving his rights at an immigration hearing.
• Federal prosecutors claim they were not informed of the deportation and intend to pursue the case if Flores returns to the US, while victims' attorneys criticize system gaps.

Why It Matters: US immigration deported a key suspect in a $100 million jewellery heist, effectively halting his prosecution.