Nebraska Fugitive Arrested in Mexico After Five Years on the Run

Omaha, NE – A Wood River man wanted by the U.S. Marshals Service District of Nebraska Metro Fugitive Task Force (MFTF) since 2021 was arrested by law enforcement in Tijuana, Mexico, Sept. 17.

Ernesto Guerrero-Zarraga, 25, was wanted on a bench warrant by the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) for conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine and conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine actual.

In August 2020, Guerrero-Zarraga was arrested by the MFTF on state warrants for first-degree assault, use of a firearm to commit a felony, and attempt of a class 2 felony. On June 12, 2021, Guerrero-Zarraga posted a $5,000 bond and was released from custody.  On June 14, 2021, authorities learned that Guerrero-Zarraga posted the wrong bond amount and was released from custody in error.  An arrest warrant was issued in U.S. District Court for the District of Nebraska for Guerrero-Zarraga.

After the MFTF developed information that Guerrero-Zarraga was in Tijuana, they coordinated with the USMS Office of International Operations, the Mexico Foreign Field Office and local authorities in Mexico to locate and arrest Guerrero-Zarraga.  

Law enforcement in Tijuana located Guerrero-Zarraga and took him into custody without incident.  Guerrero-Zarraga is a U.S. citizen and was deported from Mexico on Sept. 18 and taken into custody by the USMS Southern District of California.  

Guerrero-Zarraga is awaiting extradition back to Nebraska.  

U.S. Marshals Service task forces combine the efforts of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to locate and arrest our nation’s most dangerous fugitives. These task forces are dedicated to reducing violent crime by locating and apprehending wanted criminals. They also serve as the central point for agencies to share information on fugitive matters. In 2025, the U.S. Marshals arrested 73,323 fugitives, cleared 87,984 warrants, which averaged out to around 293 fugitives arrested per day in 2025 alone.