U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has lodged a detainer for William Serrano Domenech, a 49-year-old Cuban citizen charged in the fatal shooting of 42-year-old Raul Aballe in Miami-Dade County. Authorities say the shooting followed an argument allegedly fueled by jealousy over Domenech’s relationship with a witness. Domenech was arrested the day after the Aug. 17 killing and is being held in a Miami-Dade County jail. Federal officials say he has a criminal history spanning multiple states and was released from ICE custody in 2023.
Domenech faces charges of second-degree murder and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The Department of Homeland Security said ICE will work with Florida authorities to maintain custody arrangements after the criminal case. The allegations remain subject to court proceedings.
Article Subheadings
| 1) | Shooting follows an alleged jealousy-related dispute |
| 2) | Arrest and criminal charges in Miami-Dade County |
| 3) | ICE detainer seeks continued access to the defendant |
| 4) | Authorities outline a multistate criminal history |
| 5) | Prior immigration proceedings and 2023 release |
Shooting follows an alleged jealousy-related dispute
According to authorities, Domenech was socializing with a witness in the Miami area on the evening of Aug. 17 when Aballe arrived. The two men allegedly began arguing, and the dispute became physical after Domenech reportedly punched and slapped Aballe. Investigators say Domenech then pulled a firearm from a fanny pack and fired, striking Aballe in the stomach.
Aballe was transported to a hospital, where he later died. Authorities said Domenech acknowledged the killing after his arrest and attributed the confrontation to jealousy involving the witness. The witness reportedly told investigators that Aballe was unarmed and did not initiate the fight.
Arrest and criminal charges in Miami-Dade County
Domenech allegedly left the scene after the shooting but was arrested the following day. He is being held in a Miami-Dade County jail while facing charges of second-degree murder and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
The case concerns the alleged use of a firearm during a street confrontation and the subsequent death of Aballe. The charges are accusations, and prosecutors must establish the allegations in court. The available account does not state when Domenech is scheduled for a hearing or whether he has entered a plea.
ICE detainer seeks continued access to the defendant
ICE lodged a detainer with Miami-Dade authorities the day after Domenech’s arrest. Such a request asks local officials to notify federal immigration authorities before releasing a person so ICE can seek custody under immigration law.
Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin said federal officials intend to coordinate with Florida authorities. In a statement, Mullin characterized Domenech as a dangerous criminal and criticized his prior release from ICE custody in 2023.
“ICE has lodged a detainer and will work with our partners in Florida to ensure that this killer is never again allowed back onto our streets,” Mullin said.
Authorities outline a multistate criminal history
The Department of Homeland Security said Domenech’s record includes convictions and arrests in Florida, Michigan, New Mexico and Tennessee. Florida records cited by the department include a weapons conviction and arrests involving vehicle theft, burglary, driving without a license and driving with a suspended license.
The department also listed New Mexico arrests involving aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, false imprisonment and bribery of a witness. Tennessee records reportedly include arrests for unlawful possession of a weapon, resisting arrest and theft.
Michigan convictions identified by authorities include possession with intent to distribute cocaine, possession with intent to distribute marijuana, possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime, possession of a firearm by an illegal alien and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Prior immigration proceedings and 2023 release
Domenech allegedly told authorities that he entered the United States through Florida in 1995. An immigration judge issued a deportation order in 2002, according to the Department of Homeland Security.
Federal officials said ICE later took Domenech into custody in 2023 but that he was released. The department attributed that release to the Biden administration and said the decision allowed him to return to the community. The circumstances and legal basis of the release were not detailed in the information provided.
Key Points
| Number | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | Domenech is charged with second-degree murder and unlawful firearm possession by a convicted felon. |
| 2 | Authorities say Raul Aballe was shot after an alleged argument involving jealousy. |
| 3 | ICE filed a detainer with Miami-Dade County after Domenech’s arrest. |
| 4 | DHS says Domenech has criminal records or arrests in at least four states. |
Summary
The Miami-Dade case combines a state murder prosecution with a federal immigration custody request. Authorities allege that Domenech shot Aballe during a confrontation and later acknowledged the killing. ICE’s detainer reflects federal efforts to retain access to him after the criminal proceedings, while the Department of Homeland Security has highlighted his prior convictions, arrests and immigration history. Domenech remains presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Frequently Asked Questions
What charges does William Serrano Domenech face?
He faces charges of second-degree murder and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon in connection with the Aug. 17 shooting.
What is the ICE detainer intended to do?
The detainer asks Miami-Dade authorities to notify ICE before Domenech is released so federal immigration officials can seek custody.
What immigration history did authorities report?
Authorities said Domenech entered the United States through Florida in 1995, received a deportation order in 2002 and was released from ICE custody in 2023.