ERO Miami arrests 4 as part of nationwide operation
MIAMI — Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Miami officers apprehended four 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.
“Taking these criminals off the streets is the first step in making our Florida communities a safer place to live, work and raise our children,” said ERO Miami Field Office Director Garett Ripa. “ERO Miami will continue to prioritize unlawfully present noncitizens who defy our laws and cause irreparable harm to our communities.”
The following people are among those arrested:
- A 38-year-old citizen of Brazil in Lauderdale Lakes, convicted by the 17th Judicial Circuit Court for delivery of ecstasy in May 2022.
- A 60-year-old citizen of Cuba in Orlando, convicted by the 9th Judicial Circuit Court for trafficking 400 grams or more of ecstasy in October 2004.
- A 29-year-old citizen of Cuba in Miami, convicted by the 26th Judicial Circuit Court in Oklahoma for trafficking methamphetamine and other illegal narcotics in February 2018.
- A 29-year-old citizen of Haiti in Homestead, convicted by the 11th Judicial Circuit Court for trafficking phenethylamine, fentanyl and ecstasy in July 2022.
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 @EROMiami. The Miami area of responsibility includes the state of Florida, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
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