There are some misconceptions here.

First off, there is no legal term such as "self-deport." There are the terms Voluntary Return, and Stipulated Removal and removed or deported (assuming that he has never been deported before).

A VR only takes a seat on the plane (once he signs admitting that he is in the US illegally). But, I pretty much guarantee that he wasn't VR'd...it would be against Denver ICE policy do do so, for a criminal alien.

A Stipulated Removal is when the guy accepts a formal removal to Mexico, instead of being ordered removed by a judge. This takes 7-10 days...instead of 30 (guess what probably happened). But, both of the last two removals count the same and being as he was ordered deported he'll never get amnesty or other benefits. He has to apply for permission from the Attorney General, w/in 5 years to LEGALLY re-enter the US (There is no obligation to apply, if he is going to enter the US illegally).

Storey only told half of the truth....ICE is under no legal obligation to hold the guy for trial...but they do have a legal obligation to follow due process of law and put, and keep the guy in removal proceedings (there is a legal process that has to be followed after all, you didn't actually think that ICE could actually hold him w/o bond indefinitly did you? He does have rights, doesn't he?).

I bet you dollars to donuts that Storey knew that the guy bonded out and did nothing to get his bond changed. So, DAs try to get em back and some don't.

Now, my guess is that Storey knew that the would be back soon (You don't actually think that he is telling everything that he knows about the case do you?). Anyways, once the guy is nabbed again, they will be a warrant for the guy and his stuff will look awfully weak the next time that he is in front of a judge...and you know....a leopard can't change his spots. He'll be arrested again, for some Mickey-mouse offense and his prints will pop up in AFIS (look it up).

My guess is that the alien was in jail for awhile and was desperate to get out and is crazy enough to believe that they won't look for him. So, he'll just come right back.

There was an ICE hold on him...they knew his citizenship. Also, no fed law against verifying citizenship. In some places...sanctuary cities, they don't do it.