ERO Los Angeles arrests 28 noncitizens with drug-related convictions during nationwide law enforcement effort

LOS ANGELES — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) officers apprehended 28 unlawfully present noncitizens who have been convicted of drug trafficking or multiple drug possession-related offenses involving methamphetamine, fentanyl, cocaine, heroin, or synthetic drugs during a nationwide law enforcement effort that ran from March 11 - 26, 2024.

"The professional men and women of ERO Los Angeles play a critical role in support of public safety in our communities," said ERO Los Angeles acting Field Office Director Ernesto Santacruz. "This operation is a clear example of our dedication to our mission, our commitment to improve public safety and uphold our nation's laws".

"With more than 105,000 drug overdoses reported throughout the United States last year, the trafficking and proliferation of dangerous illegal drugs has shown its devastating impacts throughout our neighborhoods and schools," said ERO Deputy Executive Associate Director Russ Hott. "Enforcement and Removal Operations personnel will continue to fight for the safety of our communities through the arrest and removal of those individuals who traffic drugs and exacerbate this terrible crisis."

Today's announcement follows a nationwide enforcement effort in February where 275 individuals presenting a threat to public safety were arrested. By utilizing an intelligence-driven enforcement model, ERO makes efficient use of limited resources to promote public safety in communities across the United States.

Those arrested include:

• A 58-year-old citizen of Mexico in Huntington Park, California, with three felony convictions by the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles. Convictions include forgery, holding a false medical License, and possession of a controlled substance for sale.
• A 25-year-old citizen of Mexico in Compton, California, with three felony convictions by the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles. Convictions include false imprisonment and transportation of methamphetamine, domestic violence with injury and violation of protection order, and contempt of court violating a protective order.
• A 31-year-old citizen of Mexico in Los Angeles, California, with three felony convictions by the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles. Convictions include possession of methamphetamine, transportation of methamphetamine, and possession of a firearm by a restricted person.

ICE focuses on the arrest 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 (FY) 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, at @EROLosAngeles.