Homeland Security: Man detained after claiming to be in U.S. illegally

TUCSON, Ariz. (13 News) - There are conflicting stories about the arrest of a New Mexico man in Tucson earlier this month.

On Monday, Homeland Security issued a statement about Jose Brennen Hermosillo and said he told an officer he was from Mexico and entered the country illegally. The federal agency said that is why he was detained for several days.

Hermosillo’s family has claimed he was arrested for not carrying his identification, was wrongfully detained for days, and tried to tell a federal officer he was a U.S. citizen.

On April 8, Jose Hermosillo approached Border Patrol in Tucson Arizona stating he had ILLEGALLY entered the U.S. and identified himself as a Mexican citizen. Border enforcement processed Mr. Hermosillo lawfully.

Days later, his family presented documents showing proof of U.S.… pic.twitter.com/hzOlZtjlzn
— Homeland Security (@DHSgov) April 21, 2025

Homeland Security said Hermosillo approached a Border Patrol office in Tucson on April 8 and told them he was a Mexican citizen.

According to an affidavit, Hermosillo said he entered the U.S. illegally to work, had crossed the border, and planned to stay for 20 years.

Homeland Security said Hermosillo was released days later after his family provided proof of his citizenship. The charges were then dismissed, and he was released.

“Mr. Hermosillo’s arrest and detention were a direct result of his own actions and statements,” Homeland Security said in a statement.

The federal government’s account varies wildly from what Hermosillo’s family told media outlets, including AZPM.

The family told AZPM the 19-year-old was visiting Tucson from Albuquerque “when he got lost” near the Border Patrol facility and was taken into custody.

Hermosillo’s family admitted he was not carrying identification but claimed he told them he was a U.S. citizen.

It is unclear if Hermosillo could face charges for lying to a federal agent.

The story has garnered the attention of Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs and Attorney General Kris Mayes.

In a post to X, Hobbs wrote, “This is completely unacceptable. I will be in contact with (Homeland Security) and expect immediate answers for their wrongful detention of an American citizen,” she wrote.

Mayes also wrote on X.

“My office has reached out to ICE for answers on how this was allowed to happen to an American citizen,” she wrote. “It is wholly unacceptable to wrongfully detain US citizens.”

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