Twice-Deported Mexican National Arrested After Firing Dozens of Rounds at Homes in Texas Standoff

Authorities arrested 60-year-old Juan Ayala Montero on May 24 in Montgomery County, Texas, after investigators say he fired dozens of rounds toward homes and residents during a Memorial Day weekend standoff in the Kings Colony neighborhood. Ayala has been charged with felony deadly conduct for the discharge of a firearm.

Incident

The Montgomery County Sheriff's Office reports that deputies encountered Ayala actively shooting a long gun at multiple people when they arrived on scene. According to investigators, Ayala retreated into his residence and barricaded himself after a large law enforcement presence responded.

Montgomery County's SWAT team ultimately ended the standoff; Ayala surrendered and was taken into custody without further incident. Investigators recovered approximately 31 shell casings at the scene and say evidence indicates multiple rounds were fired toward houses and residents.

Authorities in Montgomery County, Texas, arrested Juan Ayala Montero after he allegedly fired multiple rounds in a residential neighborhood over Memorial Day weekend.

Victims and Witness Accounts

Initial 911 calls suggested there were multiple victims, but investigators later determined only one person had been struck: a 17-year-old male who was treated at a local hospital and released. Witnesses told authorities they attempted to de-escalate the situation and persuade Ayala to drop his weapon, but say he continued to fire before barricading himself inside his home.

Charges and Related Case Developments

Ayala faces a felony charge of deadly conduct involving the discharge of a firearm. Montgomery County jail records list his bond at $80,000. Investigators also charged the juvenile involved with making a false report to a peace officer after determining that information he initially provided was untruthful and hindered the probe.

Immigration History and Enforcement Actions

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced that Ayala is the subject of an immigration detainer and a federal detainer after authorities determined he is in the country illegally. Records and official statements indicate Ayala, a Mexican citizen, had been deported twice and is alleged to have reentered the United States multiple times.

A twice-deported Mexican national with a prior attempted homicide conviction was arrested in Texas after authorities say he fired dozens of rounds at neighbors during a Memorial Day weekend standoff that ended with a SWAT team surrender.

Public records show Ayala was convicted of attempted homicide and criminal trespass while living in the U.S. illegally. An immigration judge ordered his removal on August 31, 1999, and he was deported on August 30, 2000. Following an alleged return to the U.S., he was arrested by Dallas Police in 2006, transferred to ICE custody and removed to Mexico that same day. Officials say he entered the country illegally again at an unknown date prior to the May 24 arrest.

Law Enforcement Cooperation

Authorities credited Montgomery County's participation in ICE's 287(g) program with enabling deputies to quickly verify Ayala's immigration status and secure a detainer. In a statement, Gabriel Martinez, Acting Field Office Director for ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations in Houston, said:

"The arrest and placement of an immigration detainer on this violent criminal illegal alien is another example of the positive impact that the 287(g) program has on increasing public safety in our local communities. By participating in the program, it provides our state and local law enforcement partners with another tool to prevent dangerous criminal illegal aliens like Ayala from being released back into the community where they will likely reoffend."

Investigations remain ongoing as prosecutors and immigration authorities review charges and detainer procedures.