ERO New York City arrests 13 noncitizens with drug related convictions during nationwide law enforcement effort

NEW YORK – Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) New York City Fugitive Operations officers apprehended 13 unlawfully present noncitizens with convictions for drug trafficking or multiple drug possession related offenses involving methamphetamines, fentanyl, cocaine, heroin, or synthetic drugs during a nationwide law enforcement from March 11 – 26.

“This operation again highlights the dedicated efforts of ERO New York City officers to identify, locate and arrest criminal noncitizens who present a threat to our communities,” said Field Office Director Kenneth Genalo. “We will continue to apprehend those who undermine public safety while in violation of our immigration laws.”

Those arrested include:

• A previously removed 34-year-old citizen of Guatemala in Spring Valley, New York, convicted by the Rockland County Court of felony criminal sale of cocaine in the third degree, criminal possession of cocaine in the third degree, and narcotic drug with the intent to sell cocaine.
• A 34-year-old citizen of the Dominican Republic in White Plains, New York, convicted by the United States District Court, Southern District of New York of felony conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine. 
• A 26-year-old citizen of El Salvador in Spring Valley, New York, convicted by the Rockland County Court of three counts of felony criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree, felony with the intent to sell cocaine, and three counts of the criminal sale of cocaine in the third degree.
• A 53-year-old citizen of Mexico in the Bronx, convicted by the New York County Supreme Court in Manhattan of felony criminal sale of a cocaine in the second degree.
• A previously removed 49-year-old citizen of Mexico in Hempstead, New York, convicted by the Nassau County Supreme Court of felony criminal possession of a controlled substance in the second degree.

Today’s announcement follows a nationwide enforcement effort in February where 32 individuals presenting a threat to public safety were arrested by ERO New York City. By using an intelligence-driven enforcement model, ERO makes efficient use of limited resources to promote public safety in communities across 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. ERO 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.

Noncitizens placed into removal proceedings receive their legal due process from federal immigration judges in the immigration courts, which are administered by the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR). EOIR is an agency within the U.S. Department of Justice and is separate from the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Immigration judges in these courts make decisions based on the merits of each individual case. ICE officers carry out the removal decisions made by the federal immigration judges.

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 crime and suspicious activity by calling 866-347-2423 or completing the online tip form. Learn more about ERO New York City’s mission to preserve public safety on X, formerly known as Twitter, @ERONewYork.