ERO New Orleans focuses targeted operation on convicted sexual offenders
NEW ORLEANS — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) New Orleans officers apprehended six unlawfully present noncitizen sex offenders during a nationwide law enforcement effort that netted 275 noncitizens that ran from Feb. 5 to Feb. 16.
“Our ERO officers are dedicated to the safety of our communities through the arrest and removal of those who seek to undermine our laws and disrupt public safety,” said ERO New Orleans Field Office Director Mellissa Harper. “The individuals identified in this operation were found guilty of committing sexual crimes, often against the most vulnerable members of our population, and therefore forfeited their right to remain in the United States. ERO New Orleans will continue to focus its efforts on locating and removing unlawfully present criminal noncitizens who threaten our neighborhoods.”
Today’s announcement follows an enforcement effort in January where 275 individuals presenting a threat to public safety were arrested. By using 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 34-year-old citizen of El Salvador in Memphis, Tennessee, who was convicted of felony sexual exploitation of minor/exhibition of minor.
- A 21-year old citizen of Mexico in Springfield, Tennessee, who was convicted of felony statutory rape.
- A 41-year-old citizen of Cuba in Springfield, Tennessee, who was convicted of felony sexual battery.
- A 32-year-old citizen of Mexico in Tuckerman, Arkansas, who was convicted of sexual assault in the fourth degree.
- A 38-year-old citizen of Egypt in Baton Rouge convicted of indecent behavior with juveniles.
- A 62-year-old citizen of Cuba in New Orleans convicted of sexual battery, domestic abuse/battery, violation of protective order, and failing to comply with the sex offender registry.
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 ERO New Orleans mission to increase public safety in your community on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @ERONewOrleans.
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