October 10th, 2025 Local News
Ste. Genevieve Co., Mo. (KFMO) - A 34-year-old illegal alien from Mexico, identified as Leo Cruz-Silva, died on October 4, 2025 at the Ste. Genevieve County Jail. He was pronounced dead at 3:47 p.m. by Ste. Genevieve County EMS paramedics.
According to authorities, earlier that day a jail staff member found Cruz-Silva with a sheet tied around his neck in what appeared to be a suicide attempt. Jail staff immediately began CPR until emergency medical services arrived. Paramedics continued lifesaving efforts but were unable to revive him.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) reports that Cruz-Silva had a long history of illegal entry into the United States. He was first arrested in 2010 in Tennessee and ordered removed to Mexico in 2011. Over the years, Cruz-Silva was deported multiple times but continued to reenter the U.S. illegally.
His most recent arrest occurred on September 30, 2025, when Festus Police detained him for public intoxication. ICE lodged an immigration detainer, and Cruz-Silva was taken into ICE custody on October 1 for reinstatement of a previous removal order.
Following his death, ICE notified the Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General, ICE’s Office of Professional Responsibility, and the Mexican consulate, in accordance with agency procedures.
