The Department of Homeland Security has asked Florida authorities to turn over a Bangladeshi illegal immigrant accused of murdering his sister-in-law, after he was deported under the first Trump administration, illegally reentered the United States, and was released by the Biden administration. DHS confirmed that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has lodged a detainer against Akbor Miah, who also used the alias Shahidul Islam, requesting that he be transferred into federal custody once his state criminal proceedings conclude.
According to DHS, Miah first entered the U.S. in 2016 during the Obama administration. He was arrested by ICE in February 2018, and an immigration judge issued a final order of removal later that year. After being deported to Bangladesh in January 2019, during the first Trump administration, Miah illegally reentered the country — a federal felony — and was released into the United States by the Biden administration on March 19, 2022, officials said.
Monica Islam disappeared after leaving the Eustis convenience store where she worked alongside Miah, her brother-in-law, on May 2, 2025. Hours later, she was found dead from a gunshot wound along a road in Mount Dora. Investigators recovered Monica Islam's DNA from Miah's vehicle, along with a bullet lodged in the passenger-side door and evidence that the passenger window had been shattered, prosecutors said.
Officials allege Miah fled to New York after the killing before being arrested by the U.S. Marshals Service and extradited to Florida, where he faces a first-degree murder charge. A Lake County grand jury indicted Miah on a charge of premeditated first-degree murder, and prosecutors are seeking the death penalty. State Attorney Bill Gladson said investigators uncovered evidence that Miah conducted numerous suspicious internet searches on the morning of the killing. Prosecutors also allege he rented a vehicle and drove to New York after the shooting before authorities tracked him down through a joint effort involving local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies.
DHS acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis stated: «This illegal alien from Bangladesh has been charged with murder after allegedly shooting his own sister-in-law in Florida. He then thought he could evade justice by fleeing to the sanctuary state of New York. Thanks to our law enforcement partners, this criminal illegal alien has been arrested and is off our streets. ICE has lodged a detainer so he can never be loose in our country again.»
The case highlights ongoing tensions over immigration enforcement and sanctuary policies. Florida officials have not yet publicly responded to the detainer request, but the situation underscores the challenges federal and state authorities face in coordinating custody of individuals with criminal charges and immigration violations. The Biden administration has faced criticism from some quarters over its handling of border security and the release of individuals with prior removal orders, while supporters argue that immigration enforcement must balance due process and humanitarian considerations.
Miah remains in state custody pending his murder trial. If convicted, he could face life in prison or the death penalty under Florida law. Federal immigration proceedings would follow any sentence imposed, potentially leading to another deportation order after his criminal case is resolved.
