ICE Arrests Boat Captain In Fatal Liberty Island Capsize For Misconduct
Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested Manuel Ernesto Hernandez-Umana, the boat captain accused in the fatal New York Harbor capsizing earlier in August 2026, the Department of Homeland Security said.[1]
Hernandez-Umana, who is originally from El Salvador, was already facing federal charges of misconduct and neglect of a ship officer resulting in death, prosecutors say.[1] The Department of Homeland Security said the arrest triggers deportation proceedings.[1]
Earlier in August 2026, the boat capsized in New York Harbor, killing a 27-year-old woman and her 5-month-old infant.[1] Federal charges had been filed against Hernandez-Umana in connection with the capsize.[1]
Fox News earlier reported the arrest and described the suspect as an "illegal immigrant" accused of operating an overcrowded boat.[2] The Wall Street Journal named Hernandez-Umana and provided the details about the federal charges and DHS's deportation notice.[1]
Show source details & analysis (2 sources)
📌 Key Facts
- Manuel Ernesto Hernandez-Umana has been identified as the suspect and is originally from El Salvador.
- Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested Hernandez-Umana, and the Department of Homeland Security says he now faces deportation.
- Federal charges of misconduct and neglect of a ship officer resulting in death had already been filed against Hernandez-Umana in connection with the New York Harbor capsize.
- The capsizing earlier in August 2026 in New York Harbor killed a 27-year-old woman and her 5-month-old infant.
- The Wall Street Journal reported these developments on Thursday, August 20, 2026.
📰 Source Timeline (2)
Follow how coverage of this story developed over time
- The Wall Street Journal identifies the suspect as Manuel Ernesto Hernandez-Umana and notes he is originally from El Salvador.
- The article states that Hernandez-Umana was already facing federal charges of misconduct and neglect of a ship officer resulting in death in connection with the New York Harbor capsize.
- It confirms that Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested Hernandez-Umana and that he now faces deportation, according to the Department of Homeland Security.
- The article reiterates that the capsizing earlier in August 2026 killed a 27-year-old woman and her 5-month-old infant in New York Harbor.