Illegal Alien Arrested for Brutal Hammer Murder in Florida

Brutal Attack Shocks Florida Community

A violent and tragic event has shaken Fort Myers, Florida, where a woman was brutally murdered in a gas station attack. On April 3rd, Fort Myers Police responded to a horrific crime scene after an innocent mother was attacked and killed. Surveillance footage widely shared on social media shows a man, identified as a Haitian illegal alien, repeatedly striking the victim in the head with a hammer.

Kelly Walker, acting field office director for ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations in Miami, stated at a press conference, “This is an awful time and a awful reason to come together. We talk about a woman who was savagely murdered in our community at the hands of a violent illegal alien.” This senseless act has highlighted the critical need for immigration enforcement and its role in public safety.

Swift Apprehension Through Interagency Cooperation

Following the attack, law enforcement agencies worked quickly to apprehend the suspect. The Fort Myers Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the U.S. Marshals, and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) collaborated in a coordinated effort. This partnership allowed investigators to swiftly track the killer’s movements and make an arrest.

“The speed and accuracy in which our law enforcement teams are able to track the killer’s movements and arrest them is a testament to our robust law enforcement partnerships here in the state of Florida,” Walker noted. The suspect, identified as Robart Walken, is currently held at the Lee County Jail on charges of homicide and property damage. ICE has issued an immigration detainer, ensuring he will not be released back into the community.

Suspect’s Immigration History and Legal Status

Records indicate that Robart Walken, an illegal alien from Haiti, first entered the U.S. near Key West, Florida, on August 9th, 2022, following a maritime smuggling operation. He was apprehended by the U.S. Border Patrol and turned over to ICE for detention. A judge issued a final order of removal for Walken on September 9th, 2022.

However, the previous administration allowed him to be released into the United States and granted him Temporary Protected Status (TPS). This status provided him with legal safeguards to remain in the country. As of June 27th, 2025, the Trump administration announced the termination of TPS for Haiti, revoking Walken’s protections. This decision was based on the assessment that conditions in Haiti had improved enough for Haitians to be safely returned.

Broader Implications for Immigration Policy

The case has brought attention to the use and potential abuse of TPS. Officials argue that TPS was never intended as a permanent solution but has been used as a de facto amnesty program. The administration has faced challenges in ending TPS, with ongoing legal battles seeking to restore integrity to the immigration system.

On March 11th, the administration and the Supreme Court were asked to pave the way for ending TPS for over 350,000 Haitian immigrants. This tragic event in Fort Myers underscores the administration’s commitment to enforcing immigration laws and restoring law and order.

Community and Law Enforcement Unity

Fort Myers Police Chief Jason fields emphasized the strength of interagency cooperation. “Today highlights the results that can transpire with strong partnerships between federal, state, and local agencies,” he stated. “Robart Walken was taken into custody after an extensive, coordinated manhunt. From the beginning, our commitment was unwavering, and our message was clear: We were not going home until Walken was in custody.”

Chief fields also thanked federal partners, state and local agencies, and the community for their relentless efforts and shared resources that led to the suspect’s capture. The State Attorney’s office is pursuing justice for the victim and her family, vowing that violent individuals will be held accountable.

What’s Next?

As the legal process unfolds for Robart Walken, attention will remain on the ongoing efforts to enforce immigration laws and ensure public safety. The case serves as a stark reminder of the complexities within the immigration system and the critical role of law enforcement partnerships in responding to violent crime.

Source: DHS: 'illegal alien' strikes woman with hammer (YouTube)