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February 1, 2024Los Angeles, CA, United StatesEnforcement and Removal

ERO Los Angeles arrests 26 noncitizens with pending charges or convictions for murder, homicide and assault against children during nationwide operation

Behind the scenes of an arrest

LOS ANGELES—U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) officers apprehended 26 unlawfully present noncitizens with pending charges or convictions for murder, homicide and assault against children during a nationwide law enforcement effort that ran from January 16 to 28.

"The men and women of ERO Los Angeles are mission-driven and dedicated to the safety of our communities and neighborhoods," said ERO Los Angeles acting Field Office Director Ernesto Santacruz. "The outcome of this operation is another example of their continued professionalism, integrity and commitment to safeguard the homeland."

Those arrested include:

  • A 47-year-old citizen of Mexico in Los Angeles who is wanted in Mexico for human trafficking in the category of recruitment for the purpose of sexual exploitation.
  • A 36-year-old citizen of Mexico in Harbor City who is wanted in Mexico for homicide with the aggravating factor of having been committed in an intentional manner in relation to a robbery of the victim by the perpetrator.
  • A 39-year-old citizen of El Salvador in Compton who was convicted of forcible oral copulation victim under 14 years.

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. Learn more about ICE’s mission to increase public safety in your community on X, formerly known as Twitter, @EROLosAngeles.

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