ERO Newark deportation officer awarded for diligence in locating hit-and-run driver
ICE Deportation Officer John Belluardo (left) receives an award from North Bergen Mayor Nicholas Sacco for his work in locating a hit-and-run driver in Maryland.
When it comes to perseverance and caring, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Newark Deportation Officer John Belluardo ranks at the top of the list. Evidence of that fact is the recent award he received Jan. 9, from the North Bergen, New Jersey, Mayor Nicolas Sacco, during a National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day ceremony.
Belluardo was honored for tracking down a hit-and-run driver that fled from New Jersey to Annapolis, Maryland. The hit-and-run accident, which occurred on Kennedy Boulevard in North Bergen, resulted in the death of Michael Viruet and serious injuries to his brother, Adrian Viruet.
Belluardo’s work on the investigation, with his development of several leads, ultimately led to a manhunt and the individual’s capture by U.S. Marshals Service officers. When notified of the case, Belluardo, who has been at ERO Newark since 2007, immediately ran several records checks which resulted in locating the perpetrator from Guatemala in Annapolis.
The subject was arrested within three weeks. Working proactively and intensively with several state and federal agencies, including the North Bergen Police Department, the Hudson County Sheriff’s Office, the FBI and the Marshals, a meticulous and comprehensive confession was successfully obtained. The individual is currently incarcerated in the Hudson County Correctional Facility with an ICE detainer.
“I am very proud of DO Belluardo and I congratulate him on his recent award,” said ERO Newark Field Office Director John Tsoukaris. “His recognition serves as an example of the dedication of our ERO officers who make significant positive contributions to public safety through their work under the Joint Effort Initiative and through strong relationships with our local, state and federal law enforcement partners.”
“John is a lifelong resident of North Bergen,” said Mayor Sacco. “I’ve known him from the day he was born. Because of his proximity to us and our police chief knowing him personally, it’s easy to work with him – and his work on this case was the proof. John worked diligently with us, ultimately locating the man in Maryland. It’s terrific to have a person like John living in the community.”
Belluardo is a North Bergen native, who graduated from Rutgers University in 2002 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice. Belluardo began his federal career during the same year of graduation, as an immigration inspector with legacy Immigration and Naturalization Service and was assigned to the Newark Liberty International Airport. Three years later in 2005, he was hired by ERO as an Immigration Enforcement Agent (IEA) in the New York Field Office, where he was later promoted to deportation officer. Belluardo is currently assigned to ERO Newark’s Criminal Alien Removal Initiative.
The National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day celebration and awards ceremony also highlighted acts of bravery, heroism and diligence performed by North Bergen police officers and recognized the department’s commitment to community engagement and diversity. North Bergen Police Chief Robert Dowd served as the master of ceremonies and presided as several proclamations and awards were distributed to highly deserving officers, including the department’s “Officer of the Year.” The event was held in the township’s commission chambers in front of local officials, members of the police department, friends and family members.
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