Overview
- U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement deported Flores in late December after a Dec. 16 immigration hearing, where he sought voluntary departure that was denied before a final removal order sent him to Ecuador.
- Flores, a lawful permanent resident released on bond in August, was transferred to ICE custody in September on a detainer that prosecutors say they did not know existed.
- Federal prosecutors oppose terminating the case permanently and asked that any dismissal be without prejudice so they can prosecute if Flores returns to the United States.
- Defense attorney John D. Robertson moved to dismiss the indictment, arguing the removal violated Flores’ criminal prosecution rights, and CBS News reported a judge granted dismissal with prejudice.
- Victims’ counsel condemned the outcome and a former federal prosecutor called the removal highly unusual, as seven people were charged in the 2025 indictment and the heist’s value remains disputed by Brink’s and the jewelers.