According to the Department of Homeland Security, David DePape, the Canadian man accused of breaking into United States House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s house and attacking her husband Paul Pelosi with a hammer, had been living in the U.S. illegally for years after his immigration status expired.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) issued what they refer to as an “immigration detainer” on the 42-year-old, requesting the San Francisco County Jail notify ICE before they release DePape so that they can take custody of him.
Federal reports indicate that DePape entered the U.S. legally on March 8, 2008, from Mexico via a port of entry in California. The U.S. typically allows Canadian visitors to stay in the country for either work or pleasure for six months.
The Justice Department has charged DePape with two federal crimes including the attempted kidnapping of a federal official and assaulting an immediate family member of a United States official with the intent to retaliate against the official.
According to the New York Times, DePape had become homeless and became enthralled with right-wing conspiracy theories. After his arrest, he told police that he planned to attack other state and local officials.
DePape had previously pleaded not guilty to charges including attempted murder, attempted kidnapping, and assault. He has not yet pleaded his case in federal court.
