Exclusive: ICE Cites “No Bed Space” as Homeless Man Arrested in Chimney Rock State Park Bonds Out

A man experiencing homelessness was arrested inside Chimney Rock State Park on trespassing and resisting charges on Sept. 1. Court records show that Diomedes Casarez-Remolino was held in the Rutherford County jail until the North Carolina court system released him on bond, highlighting tensions between federal enforcement priorities, state court authority, and local law enforcement responsibilities.

He was flagged with an immigration detainer but was not transferred to federal custody after ICE officials said no detention space was available, a senior law enforcement official confirmed to WCAB News.

Court records refer to him as Casarez, and WCAB News will do the same for accuracy.

Arrest and Charges

Records show Casarez was charged with resisting a public officer and remaining in the park after hours without a permit. Officials say Chimney Rock State Park has become a flashpoint in a rising trend of homeless individuals camping in restricted areas after dark. 

NC State Parks Ranger Robert Townsend arrested Casarez after he was allegedly found in a restricted area and refused to follow lawful commands and ran away, leading to the resisting a public officer charge.

ICE Detainer and No Space Available

A senior law enforcement official confirmed Casarez was subject to an ICE detainer, but ICE never collected him. “There was no bed for him there,” the official said, describing detention facilities as full.

The shortage follows the recent closure of the controversial “Alligator Alcatraz” detention site in Florida, shrinking national detention capacity as federal agencies attempt to enforce deportation directives.

Local Court Orders Bond

The Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office housed Casarez following his arrest, but the case proceeded through the state court system. He was released on September 3, 2025, after posting bond, according to the North Carolina SAVAN (Statewide Automated Victim Information and Notification) system.

Broader Context

The case highlights multiple issues: rising homelessness in state parks, immigration enforcement bottlenecks due to limited detention space, and the local burden on county jails holding detainees until courts decide on release. Advocates say criminalizing homelessness doesn’t address root causes, while law enforcement stresses that parks cannot serve as emergency housing.

Casarez remains free on bond while facing state charges. ICE could pursue custody if space becomes available, underscoring the gap between federal policy goals and local realities.