ERO Harlingen arrests 6 noncitizens during nationwide law enforcement effort

HARLINGEN, Texas — Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Harlingen apprehended six unlawfully present noncitizens with pending charges or convictions for murder, homicide or assault against children during a nationwide law enforcement effort from January 16-28.

Those arrested include:

• A 34-year-old citizen of Mexico in Los Fresnos, Texas, convicted of sexual assault of a child.
• A 58-year-old citizen of Mexico in Laredo, Texas, convicted of felony attempted indecency by contact.
• A 62-year-old citizen of Mexico in Edinburg, Texas, convicted of felony indecency with a child, sexual contact.
• A 49-year-old citizen of Mexico in Laredo, Texas, convicted of felony indecency with a child, exposes.

ICE focuses on the arrests of 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 inherent discretion as law enforcement officials to focus enforcement resources on those who pose a threat to national security, public safety or border security. These efforts include noncitizens with final orders of removal. Cases amenable to federal criminal prosecution may be presented to the appropriate U.S. attorney’s office.

In fiscal year 2023, ERO arrested 73,822 noncitizens with criminal histories; this group had 290,178 associated charges and convictions with an average of four per individual. These included 33,209 assaults; 4,390 sex and sexual assaults; 7,520 weapons offenses; 1,713 charges or convictions for homicide; and 1,655 kidnapping offenses.

Members of the public can report crimes and suspicious activity by dialing 866-347-2423 or completing the online tip form.