An illegal immigrant previously deported shot a Charleston County deputy during a traffic stop. The deputy survived due to body armor; the suspect was killed in return fire, DHS says.
Analysis & Context
An illegal immigrant previously deported shot a Charleston County deputy during a traffic stop. The deputy survived due to body armor; the suspect was killed in return fire, DHS says. Illegal immigrant with prior deportation shoots deputy in chest, dies after exchange: DHS. Stay informed with the latest developments and expert analysis on this important story.
An illegal immigrant previously deported shot a Charleston County deputy during a traffic stop. The deputy survived due to body armor; the suspect was killed in return fire, DHS says.
South Carolina Illegal immigrant with prior deportation shoots deputy in chest, dies after exchange: DHS Floriberto Perez-Nieto was killed after opening fire during traffic stop on Johns Island, authorities say By Alexandra Koch Fox News Published February 18, 2026 6:04pm EST Facebook Twitter Threads Flipboard Comments Print Email Add Fox News on Google close Video Illegal immigrant killed after allegedly shooting South Carolina deputy A criminal illegal immigrant was killed by law enforcement earlier this month after shooting a deputy, according to DHS. (Charleston County Sheriff's Office) NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! FIRST ON FOX: A man accused of shooting a South Carolina deputy in the chest during an early-morning traffic stop has been identified as a criminal illegal immigrant with a prior deportation and felony illegal re-entry conviction, according to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). DHS officials told Fox News Digital that Charleston County Sheriff's Office (CCSO) deputies responded to a call for shots fired shortly after 9 p.m. on Feb. 10 on Johns Island.They were unable to find the suspect, later identified as Floriberto Perez-Nieto, a criminal illegal immigrant from Mexico. At about 3 a.m. the next day, deputies received another call from the same person, who reported Perez-Nieto had returned to the area. DHS URGES NEWSOM TO HONOR ICE DETAINERS AFTER FEDERAL AGENT ASSAULTED WHILE ARRESTING ILLEGAL ALIEN AT JAIL Floriberto Perez-Nieto was killed after allegedly shooting a South Carolina Deputy. (U.S. Department of Homeland Security) Deputies spotted Perez-Nieto's car and attempted to pull him over, but he tried to evade arrest and shot one of the deputies in the chest, according to authorities. Other deputies returned fire and Perez-Nieto was later pronounced dead at the hospital. DHS officials said the deputy who was shot in the chest was wearing body armor. Charleston County Sheriff Carl Ritchie speaks during a news conference. (Charleston County Sheriff's Office via X)DHS ARRESTS 'WORST OF THE WORST' ILLEGAL MIGRANTS, INCLUDING MURDERERS AND PEDOPHILES, IN WEEKEND OPERATION "This criminal illegal alien illegally obtained a firearm and nearly killed a law enforcement officer," DHS assistant secretary Tricia McLaughlin told Fox News Digital. "Thankfully, the officer’s body armor saved his life. There could have been quite a different tragic outcome for this officer and his family." The deputy who was shot has not yet been publicly identified by authorities.Perez-Nieto was previously arrested after he illegally entered the U.S. from Mexico, at an unknown date and location, and without inspection by an immigration official, according to DHS. It is unclear when Floriberto Perez-Nieto illegally crossed the U.S. border. (Christian Torres/Anadolu via Getty Images)EXCLUSIVE: ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT RELEASED UNDER BIDEN 'CATCH-AND-RELEASE' ALLEGEDLY KILLS DRIVER IN POLICE CHASE He was subsequently removed from the U.S. on Feb. 20, 2019. Officials said he committed a felony by illegally re-entering the country at an unknown date and time.It is unclear where Perez-Nieto allegedly obtained the firearm. The CCSO professional standards division will conduct an internal investigation related to the shooting. CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APPDeputies involved have been placed on paid administrative leave, pending further review, according to a news release from the sheriff's office. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division was immediately notified, responded to the scene and will lead the investigation. Alexandra Koch is a Fox News Digital journalist who covers breaking news, with a focus on high-impact events that shape national conversation.She has covered major national crises, including the L.A. wildfires, Potomac and Hudson River aviation disasters, Boulder terror attack, and Texas Hill Country floods. Related Topics South CarolinaCrimePolice and Law Enforcement True Crime The hottest stories ripped from the headlines, from crime to courts, legal and scandal. Arrives Weekly By entering your email and clicking the Subscribe button, you agree to the Fox News Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, and agree to receive content and promotional communications from Fox News. You understand that you can opt-out at any time. Subscribe Subscribed Subscribe You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter!
