ERO Los Angeles arrests 16 as part of nationwide operation
LOS ANGELES — Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Los Angeles officers apprehended 16 unlawfully present noncitizens convicted of drug trafficking or possession offenses involving methamphetamine, fentanyl and heroin during a nationwide enforcement effort Jan. 23 through Feb. 6.
The effort includes noncitizens with a final order of removal. Cases amenable to federal criminal prosecution may be presented to the appropriate U.S. attorney’s office.
"These arrests represent criminal noncitizens who have a blatant disregard for our criminal justice system while exploiting our communities for their own profits.” said ERO Los Angeles Field Office Director Thomas Giles. “ERO Los Angeles will aggressively pursue, arrest and hold accountable noncitizens that flout our laws and engage in illicit drug activity."
The following people were among those arrested:
- A previously removed 41-year-old Mexican citizen arrested in Santa Ana. On Jan. 18, 2017, the Superior Court of California in Orange County convicted the noncitizen for the offense of controlled substance for sale: cocaine/amphetamine, a felony.
- A previously removed 41-year-old Mexican citizen arrested in Westminster. On Aug. 11, 2006, the Superior Court of California in Los Angeles County convicted for the offense of possession of a controlled substance, methamphetamine.
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 @EROLosAngeles.
The Los Angeles Area of Responsibility includes Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, Los Angeles, Ventura, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties.
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