The man accused of breaking into House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's home and attacking her husband with a hammer is a Canadian citizen who overstayed his welcome, and U.S. immigration officials now seek his deportation, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) told the Washington Post on Wednesday.

David DePape is charged with both federal and state crimes stemming from his violent Friday attack at Pelosi's San Fransisco home. It's alleged that DePape broke in while Paul Pelosi was asleep, entering the bedroom armed with a hammer and asking for the longtime House Speaker.

DePape entered the country in early March, crossing legally along the California-Mexico border as a temporary visitor. While it is customary for Canadians on business or pleasure to be permitted to enter the U.S. with no visa, they are permitted to stay no longer than six months.

"U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) lodged an immigration detainer on Canadian national David DePape with San Francisco County Jail, Nov. 1, following his Oct. 28 arrest," the DHS said.

ICE, a branch of Homeland Security, sends "detainers" to local and state officials asking them to notify the federal agency before the release of a foreign national who could be deported.

DePape's violent attack has quickly become a flashpoint in the political sphere, morphing into another representation of the polarization that the U.S. faces. Several Republicans have mocked the attack in public, with some even criticizing its legitimacy.

Following the arrival of police to the scene on Friday, DePape struck Paul Pelosi in the head after a struggle, knocking the man unconscious. Police later found DePape had brought zip ties, tape, rope, and several pairs of gloves with plans to bind and interrogate the House Speaker.

DePape pleaded not guilty to his state charges during a brief court appearance and has yet to enter a plea in federal court.

Nancy Pelosi California House of Representatives