ERO New Orleans focuses targeted operation on 123 criminal noncitizens

NEW ORLEANS — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) officers in New Orleans arrested 123 fugitives during a monthlong enforcement operation.

Between Jan. 1 and Jan. 31, ERO New Orleans conducted targeted operations with assistance from law enforcement partners in Arkansas, Mississippi, Tennessee, Alabama and Louisiana, arresting noncitizens identified as public safety or border security threats.

The targeted enforcement operation focused on removable fugitive noncitizens and removable noncitizens who present a danger to citizens, immigrants and visitors in the nation’s communities. The noncitizens’ criminal convictions included rape, statutory rape, molestation of a minor, illegal possession of a firearm, discharge of a firearm, drug trafficking, money laundering, aggravated assault and burglary. Those arrested will remain in ICE custody pending removal.

ERO officers carry out targeted enforcement actions daily nationwide as part of the agency’s ongoing efforts to protect the public. This enforcement action involved established Fugitive Operations Teams that focus on at-large criminals in the interior of the United States.

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 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, @ERONewOrleans.