Irving Resident Arrested on Drug Felonies, 2018 Runaway Child Warrant, ICE Hold

IRVING, Texas — A 31-year-old Irving resident is facing severe felony charges, outstanding misdemeanor warrants, and a federal immigration hold following a series of arrests across North Texas.

Wilber Eduardo Lopez-Santillana, a native and citizen of El Salvador residing in Irving, was taken into custody by the Denton County Sheriff's Office on September 11, 2026. The arrest stems from a long-outstanding warrant issued by Denton County Criminal Court #2 (Case No. CR-2019-00914-B) after he failed to appear for a scheduled court hearing years prior.

A Years-Long Legal Timeline

The original case dates back to May 27, 2018, when Lopez-Santillana was arrested and charged with Harboring a Runaway Child. Court records show that after posting bond and securing defense representation, formal charges were filed in February 2019.

However, when scheduled to enter a formal plea before Judicial Officer Susan Piel on May 29, 2019, Lopez-Santillana failed to appear in court. Judge Piel subsequently ordered a Judgment Nisi, forfeiting his bail bond, and issued a bench warrant for his arrest.

Multi-County Felony Arrest

The outstanding Denton County warrant surfaced on September 14, 2025, when Grapevine Police arrested Lopez-Santillana on multiple new offenses, including:

• Manufacture or Delivery of a Controlled Substance (Penalty Group 1/1-B, 4g–200g): A first-degree felony in Texas, carrying a potential sentence of 5 to 99 years or life in prison.

• Failure to Identify as a Fugitive (Giving False Information): Class A misdemeanor.

• Resisting Arrest: Class A misdemeanor.

• Active Denton County Warrant: Harboring a Runaway Child / Failure to Appear.

After facing the primary felony drug distribution charges in Tarrant County, Lopez-Santillana was formally transferred to the Denton County Jail on September 11, 2026, to resolve his 2018 misdemeanor case and missed court appearance.

Current Custody Status & ICE Hold

Denton County officials set his bond at $5,500 for the harboring/failure to appear warrant. On July 14, 2026, defense counsel submitted a Request for Time Served on the Denton County docket, seeking credit for the time he spent incarcerated following his Grapevine arrest.

Regardless of whether the bond is posted or time served is granted, Lopez-Santillana will not be released back into the public. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) placed an immigration detainer hold on him on September 11, 2026. Upon the conclusion or dismissal of his local criminal proceedings in North Texas, he will be transferred directly into federal custody for removal proceedings.

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