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Colombian man deported after ICE sting using fake Facebook Marketplace buyer

Sep 17, 2026·Location: Sacramento, CA

Country of origin: Colombia

Colombian man deported after ICE sting using fake Facebook Marketplace buyer
Photo via Instagram

Santiago Merlo, a Colombian man living in California, posted his car for sale on Facebook Marketplace. Months later, a purported buyer using the name "Brian" arranged to meet him to see the vehicle. When Merlo arrived, he says about 10 patrol units with federal agents were waiting, and he was handcuffed and detained. Merlo says he had a valid work permit and a pending asylum application at the time he was later deported to Colombia.

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