Two Illegal Immigrants Arrested in Violent North Carolina Home Invasion

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Authorities in North Carolina announced Monday that two men who were in the United States illegally were arrested in connection with a violent home invasion that left one victim hospitalized.

The reported incident occurred in the early morning hours of February 11, 2026, in a quiet suburban neighborhood in Greenville, North Carolina. The Pitt County Sheriff’s Office described the case as a serious and violent crime that required the involvement of multiple law enforcement agencies and specialized investigative units.

Home Invasion Reported at 3:16 a.m.

According to officials, deputies responded to a 911 call at approximately 3:16 a.m. regarding an assault at a residence located at 200 Louis Street in the Cherry Oaks neighborhood of Greenville.

“Arriving deputies determined that the incident was a home invasion,” the sheriff’s office said in a statement.

Investigators reported that suspects forcibly entered the home during the night and committed a series of violent crimes against the victim inside. Authorities have not publicly disclosed detailed information about the victim to protect their privacy, but confirmed the individual sustained injuries severe enough to require transport by ambulance to a local hospital.

The nature and extent of those injuries have not been released.

Serious Felony Charges Filed

Two suspects were arrested two days later following an intensive investigation.

The men were identified as:

• Jonathan David Garcia-Lario, 20, described as homeless at the time of arrest

• Zaid Mayen, 21, a resident of Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Investigators allege the suspects committed multiple serious offenses during the home invasion. Both men now face four felony charges:

• First-degree burglary

• First-degree kidnapping

• First-degree forcible sex offense

• Assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill and inflicting serious injury

Authorities indicated that the crimes involved the use of a deadly weapon and that the attack was particularly violent in nature.

Garcia-Lario was initially booked into the Franklin County Detention Center and held without bond. He was later transferred to the Pitt County Detention Center, where he remains in custody without bond.

Mayen was initially booked into the Orange County Detention Center and is also being held without bond.

Evidence Recovered in Chapel Hill

Investigators said they recovered evidence connected to the crime at an apartment in Chapel Hill, roughly two hours from the Greenville crime scene.

The arrests were carried out with assistance from multiple agencies, including the U.S. Marshals Service, which frequently aids in locating and apprehending suspects wanted for serious offenses. The Chapel Hill Police Department also participated in the operation.

Officials credited coordinated interagency efforts for quickly identifying and apprehending the suspects.

Detectives from the Major Crimes Unit and Forensic Services Unit were deployed to process the crime scene and gather physical evidence.

Immigration Status and ICE Detainers

Authorities confirmed that both suspects were discovered to be in the United States illegally.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) was notified of the arrests, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has placed detainers on both individuals.

An ICE detainer is a request that local authorities notify federal immigration officials before releasing an individual from custody. It allows ICE agents to assume custody of individuals believed to be removable under federal immigration law.

While both men remain in local custody without bond, immigration enforcement action may follow the resolution of their criminal cases.

Community Reaction and Public Safety Concerns

The violent nature of the alleged crimes has prompted strong reactions within the Greenville community.

Residents in the Cherry Oaks neighborhood described the area as typically quiet and family-oriented. The early-morning intrusion and assault have left neighbors shaken.

Law enforcement officials emphasized that the attack appears to be an isolated incident and that there is no ongoing threat to the broader public. However, the severity of the charges has heightened concern about violent crime and immigration enforcement policies.

Cases involving individuals found to be in the country illegally often reignite national debate about border security, immigration oversight, and cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities.

Ongoing Investigation

The Pitt County Sheriff’s Office stated that the investigation remains active. Detectives are continuing to review evidence and conduct interviews.

Officials have not confirmed whether the victim knew the suspects or whether the attack was random. They have also declined to release further details about the circumstances surrounding the alleged kidnapping and sex offense charges, citing the sensitivity of the case.

Prosecutors will now move forward with formal court proceedings. If convicted of the charges, both suspects could face significant prison sentences under North Carolina law.

Legal Process Ahead

Under North Carolina law, first-degree burglary and first-degree kidnapping are among the most serious felony offenses. First-degree forcible sex offense and assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill and inflicting serious injury also carry severe penalties.

Holding the suspects without bond reflects the court’s determination that they pose a potential flight risk or danger to the community.

Following arraignment and pretrial proceedings, the case may proceed to trial unless plea agreements are reached.

Federal immigration authorities are expected to take custody of the suspects if and when they are released from state custody, depending on the outcome of the criminal case.

Broader Implications

This case intersects with ongoing national conversations about violent crime, immigration enforcement, and public safety coordination between local and federal agencies.

Supporters of stronger immigration enforcement argue that detainers and federal-local cooperation are essential for removing individuals accused of serious crimes. Others caution that immigration status should not overshadow the legal principle that individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

As the criminal case unfolds, attention will likely remain focused on both the severity of the alleged crimes and the suspects’ immigration status.

Focus on the Victim

While much attention has centered on the suspects and legal implications, authorities have emphasized that the priority remains supporting the victim.

Officials have not released identifying information, citing privacy protections. Law enforcement and victim advocacy groups are working to ensure the individual receives appropriate medical care and support services.

The Pitt County Sheriff’s Office encouraged anyone with additional information about the incident to contact investigators.

The arrests of Jonathan David Garcia-Lario and Zaid Mayen mark a significant development in what authorities describe as a violent and deeply troubling case. As the judicial process begins, the Greenville community awaits further updates while grappling with the shock of a crime that unfolded in the stillness of the early morning hours.