Ecuador receives former minister Serrano deported from US

Former Ecuadorian Interior Minister José Serrano has been deported from the United States and returned to Ecuador under custody, facing a pre-trial detention order in connection with the assassination of presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio. Serrano arrived at Guayaquil's airport late Friday night, August 28, 2026, after being detained by U.S. immigration authorities since August 2025. He was subsequently transferred to El Encuentro prison.

The deportation has elicited strong reactions. Amanda and Tamia Villavicencio, daughters of the slain candidate, celebrated Serrano's return, with Amanda calling it "a great victory for the country." Tamia expressed optimism that Serrano's arrival would advance the pursuit of justice for her father's murder, noting that Serrano had been implicated in other investigations.

U.S. officials confirmed the deportation, with Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs Juan Pablo Segura stating that Serrano was wanted by Interpol and faced legal proceedings in Ecuador. Segura emphasized the U.S. policy against harboring individuals sought by other nations, declaring, "The United States will not be a refuge."

Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa marked the event by sharing images of Serrano's transfer, stating, "We said it, we fulfilled it." The government reiterated that Serrano must face the competent authorities due to the existing detention order. However, former President Rafael Correa strongly opposed the case against Serrano, dismissing the accusations as a "setup" and questioning the link to Villavicencio's assassination, suggesting Serrano had previously criticized President Noboa.

Verónica Serrano, José Serrano's daughter, has reportedly denounced rights violations during the process.

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