Gabriel Calixto-Picardo, 27, was arrested in Mexico in connection with the July 2023 stabbing death of Emma Shafer, a 24-year-old immigrant activist from Springfield, Illinois. The arrest was announced by Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem on Thursday.
Calixto-Picardo had been living in the United States since he was five years old after arriving with his mother from Mexico. He previously held Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status but lost eligibility after serving time in prison for kidnapping a former girlfriend. Following his release and subsequent deportation proceedings, he was granted asylum due to concerns about potential torture if returned to Mexico.
On July 11, 2023, police responded to a call at Shafer’s residence on South 8th Street in Springfield. Officers found Shafer deceased from multiple stab wounds. A warrant for Calixto-Picardo’s arrest was issued shortly afterward.
Sangamon County State’s Attorney John Milhiser stated that Calixto-Picardo has been indicted by a grand jury and faces three counts of first-degree murder and one count of aggravated domestic battery.
Emma Shafer was active in several community organizations, including serving as membership chair of the Sierra Club Sangamon Valley Group and as an incoming board member for the Springfield Immigrant Advocacy Network. She also worked with Faith Coalition for the Common Good and volunteered with other local groups. Her activism included advocacy for progressive causes such as LGBTQ rights and women’s rights.
Shafer’s obituary noted her lifelong commitment to social justice and her involvement in public service roles, including internships with U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth’s office and the New York City Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs.
Secretary Noem referenced Shafer’s case during a visit to Springfield earlier this year, drawing criticism from Shafer’s family. In a statement released after Noem’s remarks, Shafer’s family said: “My daughter Emma radiated love and light everywhere she went and for all people. Even as a child, she was a friend to everyone and someone who spoke up for the less fortunate. She dedicated her life – her career and her free time – to causes of social justice and equity. That was just who she was.”
The statement continued: “To see her used by Secretary Noem and others to advance a cruel and heartless political agenda is not just deeply painful to us – it is an insult to her memory. Noem’s words are in direct conflict with who Emma was as a person. Emma built up community and stood with all members, including immigrants.”
“No parent should have to experience the loss of a child. But every time her name is brought into these conversations – conversations she would have wanted nothing to do with – we have to relive the pain of her death.”
“Secretary Noem, as a mother still grieving the loss of a child, I beg you to stop. This is not who she was. This is not helping us. Her memory should live in all the people she touched and the causes that she fought for. And I ask all of you to remember Emma as she was. And to live your life as she did: with courageous empathy and love for all.”
Secretary Noem expressed appreciation for law enforcement efforts following Calixto-Picardo’s arrest: “The vicious illegal alien murderer who has been evading justice for two years after stabbing 24-year-old Emma Shafer has been ARRESTED. We will continue to work with federal authorities to coordinate extradition proceedings.”
Calixto-Picardo had previously pleaded guilty in 2018 to kidnapping Kathryn O’Brien but later had his plea vacated due to constitutional issues before pleading guilty again—this time receiving early release on lesser charges.
After his release from prison related to that case, immigration authorities detained him but ultimately dropped improper entry charges while he sought asylum based on mental health concerns regarding return to Mexico.
Local officials say they will work with federal agencies on extradition proceedings so that Calixto-Picardo can face trial in Illinois courts.
