ERO Newark arrest 12 noncitizens connected to South American Theft Groups

NEWARK, N.J. — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations Newark officers, with assistance from FBI Newark, arrested a total of 12 noncitizens from Chile, Colombia and Peru connected to South American theft groups. These groups are sophisticated crime rings known for using advanced technologies. All were arrested on immigration charges between Oct. 1 and Nov. 19 and remain in ICE custody pending removal from the United States.

“Individuals associated with South American theft groups are well trained to research and strike their targets immediately upon entering the U.S.,” said ERO Newark Field Office Director John Tsoukaris. “I would like to thank FBI Newark, U.S. Customs and Border Protection and our local partners for their continued collaboration which led to the arrest of these criminals who took advantage of New Jersey communities.”

"We are using every available tool to thwart the South American theft groups roaming around New Jersey, which are having a devastating impact on local businesses. Our most important and honed instruments are partnerships we've built with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations Newark Fugitive Operations Unit and our local police departments. We are making incredible progress stopping these criminals and won't let up until the threat they pose is gone," said FBI Newark Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Nelson I. Delgado.

Many of those arrested illegally entered the U.S. recently, while others lawfully entered but violated the terms of their admission. They have criminal charges including assault and battery, counterfeiting, forgery, possession of a controlled substance, burglary, grand larceny and shoplifting in multiple states.

• A Chilean national who unlawfully entered the U.S. This noncitizen has been charged with theft-related crimes and burglary in Massachusetts, Florida, California and New Jersey.
• A Chilean national who was removed from the U.S. to Chile on April 29 and unlawfully reentered the U.S. using an alias. He has been charged with larceny, grand theft and related offenses in Florida.
• A Colombian national who entered the U.S. as a minor on Oct. 7, 2017. This noncitizen has been charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, discharge of a Firearm, counterfeiting, possession of a Class A controlled substance, Burglary, and other crimes.
• A Chilean national who unlawfully entered the U.S. without inspection or parole. This noncitizen has been convicted of felonies related to forgery, unlawful use of finance cards and other offenses in Utah.
• A Chilean national, who entered the U.S. March 11, 2017, and remained beyond the terms of his admission. He has been charged with grand theft larceny in Florida.
• A Chilean national who unlawfully entered the U.S. without inspection or parole. This noncitizen has been charged with crimes in Oklahoma.
• A Chilean National who lawfully entered the U.S. in Aug. 2022. This noncitizen was convicted of burglary and shoplifting and was charged with grand theft earlier this year.
• A Chilean national who lawfully entered the U.S. June 1. This noncitizen has been charged with shoplifting offenses and petit larceny.
• A Peruvian national who unlawfully entered the U.S. without inspection or parole.
• A Chilean national who lawfully entered the U.S. on March 19, 2019, and stayed beyond the terms of her admission.
• A Chilean national who lawfully entered the U.S. June 1. This noncitizen has been charged with shoplifting offenses.
• A Chilean national who lawfully entered the U.S. March 21, 2019, and stayed beyond the terms of her admission.

ICE is not releasing the names of these individuals due to an ongoing investigation. Additional information will be made once the investigation concludes.

The term South American theft group is used to describe transnational criminal groups consisting of males and females primarily from numerous South American countries who routinely conduct retail and residential theft/burglaries.

ERO is one of ICE’s three operational directorates and the principal federal law enforcement authority in charge of domestic immigration enforcement. ERO’s mission is to protect the homeland through the arrest and removal of those who undermine the safety of U.S. communities and the integrity of U.S. immigration laws, and its primary areas of focus are interior enforcement operations, management of the agency’s detained and non-detained populations, and repatriation of noncitizens who have received final orders of removal. ERO’s workforce consists of more than 7,700 law enforcement and non-law enforcement support personnel across 25 domestic field offices and 208 locations nationwide, 30 overseas postings, and multiple temporary duty travel assignments along the border.

Members of the public can report crimes and suspicious activity by dialing 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or completing the online tip form.

Learn more about ICE’s mission to increase public safety in New Jersey on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @ERONewark.