EXCLUSIVE: In a shocking development out of North Carolina, two men arrested following a brutal home invasion have been identified as criminal illegal immigrants from Mexico. According to information from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shared with Fox News Digital on Thursday, these individuals allegedly subjected their male victim to horrific acts, including sodomy, physical assault, and the gruesome removal of his fingernails.
The terrifying incident unfolded last Wednesday in a serene suburb of Greenville. Local authorities from Pitt County reported that at least three men were involved in this overnight attack.
DHS, referring to details from local news outlet Reflector, described the ordeal: “Two dangerous criminals invaded the victim’s home, brandishing a sharp weapon and forcibly restraining him.” Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin further emphasized the severity, stating, “This is a real-life nightmare. The actions of burglarizing, kidnapping, assaulting, and committing such atrocities against an innocent victim are exceptionally cruel and abhorrent.”
The sun rises over Greenville, North Carolina, on July 26, 2022, casting light on the disturbing case involving illegal immigrants Zaid Mayen, 21, and Jonathan David Garcia-Larios, 20. Mayen, a resident of Chapel Hill, and Garcia-Larios, a previously deported homeless man, were apprehended last Friday with the coordinated efforts of the U.S. Marshals and local law enforcement.
The sun rises over Greenville, North Carolina, on July 26, 2022. Illegal immigrants Zaid Mayen, left, and Jonathan David Garcia-Lario, right, were arrested in a reported home invasion in North Carolina. (DHS/Madeline Gray for The Washington Post/Getty Images/Pitt County Sheriff)
The two undocumented immigrants were identified as 21-year-old Chapel Hill resident Zaid Mayen and 20-year-old Jonathan David Garcia-Larios, a homeless man who was previously deported from the U.S. in 2024. They were arrested last Friday with the assistance of the U.S. Marshals and local law enforcement.
Authorities noted that the suspects entered the U.S. at an unknown date and time.
DHS added that the “two sexual perverts and violent thugs” unleashed a series of horrific attacks despite having no known criminal record in the U.S.
Second mugshot of Zaid Mayen, who was arrested in a reported home invasion last week in North Carolina. (Pitt County Sheriff)
“Zaid Mayen-Esteban and Jonathan David Garcia-Larios should have never been in this country. Prior to this heinous act, these illegal aliens had no criminal record in the U.S,” McLaughlin said.
“Under Secretary Noem’s leadership we are not waiting for illegal aliens to commit crimes before we target them for arrest and removal. We pray for the continued recovery of this innocent victim.”
The unnamed victim was transported to a local hospital for treatment of injuries and “thankfully survived,” DHS said.
The agency added that federal law enforcement is “protecting American communities every day from another senseless tragedy like this taking place in another town, to another family.”
Authorities arrested John Carlos Calderon as the third suspect tied to the violent home invasion in North Carolina. (Pitt County Sheriff)
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) also issued arrest detainers for the two illegal immigrants, instructing local authorities to extend their custody, allowing federal agents to assume control.
The third suspect arrested was identified as 22-year-old John Carlos Calderon, whose immigration status is still under investigation, local authorities said.
All three suspects face the same first-degree felony charges, including forcible sexual assault, kidnapping, burglary, and the use of a deadly weapon with intent to kill causing serious injury.
Garcia-Larios remains held without bond at the Pitt County Detention Center, while Mayen was booked into the Orange County Detention Center, also without bond.
Calderon, who was arrested Monday, is being held without bond at the Pitt County Detention Center alongside Garcia-Larios.
Federal authorities emphasized that victims of “illegal alien crime” may receive support from the Victims of Immigration Crime Engagement (VOICE) Office by contacting 1-855-488-6423.
