ERO Denver arrests 2 as part of nationwide operation
Criminal offenses include drug trafficking and possession
DENVER — Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Denver officers apprehended 2 unlawfully present noncitizens convicted of drug trafficking or possession offenses involving methamphetamine and heroin during a nationwide enforcement effort Jan. 23 through Feb. 6.
The effort includes noncitizens with final orders of removal. Cases amenable to federal criminal prosecution may be presented to the appropriate U.S. attorney’s office.
“These arrests represent our officers’ efforts to maintain public safety in our communities,” said ERO Denver acting Field Office Director Ernesto Santacruz. “Criminals who repeatedly exploit our immigration laws and bring dangerous substances into our neighborhoods will be aggressively targeted by our officers and held accountable for their actions.”
The following people are among those arrested:
- A previously removed 36-year-old citizen of Mexico arrested in Colorado Springs. In September 2020, the El Paso County District Court in Colorado Springs convicted the noncitizen for the offense of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, a felony. An immigration official previously removed this noncitizen to Mexico in 2009.
- A previously removed 32-year-old citizen of Honduras arrested in Aurora. In June 2015m the 3rd District Court in Salt Lake City, Utah, convicted this noncitizen for felony attempt to distribute a controlled substance (heroin). An immigration judge previously ordered the noncitizen’s removal to Honduras.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) targets and arrests noncitizens who have committed crimes and other individuals who have violated our nation’s immigration laws. ICE officers, informed by their experience and training, use their discretion inherent as law enforcement officials to focus enforcement resources on people who threaten the homeland.
In fiscal year 2022, ERO arrested 46,396 noncitizens with criminal histories; this group had 198,498 associated charges and convictions. These included 21,531 assault offenses; 8,164 sex and sexual assault offenses; 5,554 weapons offenses; 1,501 homicide-related offenses; and 1,114 kidnapping offenses.
Members of the public can report crimes and suspicious activity by dialing 866-347-2423 or completing the online tip form. Learn more about ICE’s mission to increase public safety in your community on Twitter @ERODenver. The Denver area of responsibility includes Colorado and Wyoming.
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