Federal Agents Arrest Illegal Alien in Helena After Alleged Kidnapping Attempt, Vehicle Ramming Incident

HELENA – Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents in Helena arrested a Honduran national last week following reports of an attempted kidnapping and a vehicle ramming incident during the arrest attempt, the agency announced Friday in a post on X.

According to HSI, Erick Sanchez-Banegas was taken into custody in Butte after agents received a tip that he was attempting a kidnapping. When HSI agents attempted a vehicle stop, Sanchez-Banegas allegedly rammed an agent’s vehicle before being apprehended.

The suspect, described by HSI as an illegal alien from Honduras, is now facing removal proceedings. HSI has not released additional details about the alleged kidnapping attempt or the circumstances that led to the initial tip.

This arrest comes as immigration enforcement has intensified under the current administration. Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen recently signed an immigration enforcement agreement with the Trump Administration’s Department of Homeland Security, authorizing state and local law enforcement to assist with immigration enforcement activities.

The incident highlights ongoing federal immigration enforcement efforts in Montana, where HSI continues to operate field offices to investigate immigration-related crimes and other federal offenses.