Press Release
Utah Couple Admits Helping a Suspected Illegal Alien Escape ICE Custody; Sentenced to Imprisonment
Monday, October 26, 2026
For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Utah
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – A Utah couple admitted in court today that they helped a suspected illegal alien escape from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody and used bolt cutters to remove his handcuffs in October 2025.
HSI
Kelzie Ryann Luna, 21, and George Sanchez-Juarez, 22, of Salt Lake City, pleaded guilty to theft, disposal, and conversion of government property, and aiding and abetting, as charged in the misdemeanor information. They were each sentenced today to four straight days imprisonment.
In addition to their term of imprisonment, U.S. Magistrate Judge Dustin B. Pead sentenced both defendants to a $600 fine, $28 restitution, and six months of supervised release. According to court documents and statements made at Luna and Sanchez-Juarez’s change of plea and sentencing hearings, on October 8, 2025, federal agents were attempting a targeted enforcement action at a Home Depot in Salt Lake City after they had identified four previously deported aliens. While federal agents were arresting one of the suspects, another suspected illegal alien, who was placed in handcuffs, escaped from the vehicle and fled on foot across the street where two people, later identified as Luna and Sanchez-Juarez, helped him evade arrest in a white Volkswagen Golf. Luna and Sanchez-Juarez then allegedly purchased bolt cutters to remove the handcuffs and later bragged about helping the suspected illegal alien escape from his lawful arrest while cursing ICE. Luna was identified by law enforcement as the passenger, and Sanchez-Juarez was the driver of the Volkswagen.
HSI
“Obstructing ICE operations and any other law enforcement carries real and serious consequences, including federal charges, imprisonment, and a permanent federal criminal record,” said U.S. Attorney Melissa Holyoak for the District of Utah. “Those who choose to take the law into their own hands will be held accountable.”
“These defendants knowingly and deliberately interfered with officers performing their duties and attempted to shield an individual from the law. Their actions were not harmless. They undermined public safety, obstructed justice, and showed blatant disregard for the rule of law,” said Homeland Security Investigations Denver Special Agent in Charge Charles Engle. “We will use every lawful tool available to identify, investigate, and hold accountable anyone who attempts to impede federal law enforcement or aid those seeking to evade lawful arrest.”
The case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (HSI). Assistant United States Attorney Todd C. Bouton of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah is prosecuting the case. Attachments:
luna_et_al_usa_position_w_respect_to_sentencing_factors.pdf
Updated October 26, 2026
Component
USAO - Utah
Press Release Number: 26-112
