ICE arrests 67 noncitizens convicted of drug trafficking, possession offenses during nation-wide operation
WASHINGTON - U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) officers apprehended 67 unlawfully present noncitizens convicted of drug trafficking or possession offenses involving methamphetamine, fentanyl, and heroin during a nation-wide enforcement effort Jan. 23 through Feb. 6.
“Our law enforcement mission carries a whole-of-government imperative to reduce the flow of illicit drugs across the United States – this includes identifying, targeting, and apprehending those individuals engaged in supplying and trafficking these dangerous substances that harm the public,” said ERO Executive Associate Director Corey A. Price. “ERO continues enforcement efforts to protect the safety and security of the communities we serve.”
Among those arrested:
- A 48-year-old citizen of the Dominican Republic in Flushing, New York, convicted by the United States District Court of the Southern District of New York of conspiracy to distribute oxycodone, and dispensing oxycodone and heroin on the internet in October 2020.
- A 38-year-old citizen of Brazil in Lauderdale Lakes, Florida, convicted by the 17th Judicial Circuit Court of count 1-2 delivery of MDMA in May 2022.
- A 37-year-old citizen of Honduras in Nashville, Tennessee, convicted by the Criminal Court in Nashville of possession with intent to distribute heroin in March 2009.
- A 35-year-old citizen of Mexico in Mount Vernon, Washington, convicted by the Skagit County Superior Court of possession with intent to manufacture or deliver a controlled substance (heroin) with school zone enhancement and conspiracy to deliver controlled substance (heroin, cocaine and/or methamphetamine) in December 2010.
- A 34-year-old citizen of Mexico in Buena Park, California, convicted by the Superior Court of California of possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine) and bringing a controlled substance (methamphetamine) into prison in December 2015.
- A 31-year-old citizen of Mexico in Medford, Oregon, convicted by the Circuit Court of the State of Oregon for the County of Jackson of delivery of heroin in August 2021.
- A 29-year-old citizen of Cuba in Miami convicted by the 26th Judicial Circuit of trafficking in illegal drugs (methamphetamine) in February 2018.
- A 29-year-old citizen of Haiti in Homestead, Florida, convicted by the 11th Judicial Circuit Court of trafficking phenethylamine, fentanyl, and ecstasy in July 2022.
- A 25-year-old citizen of Mexico in Morristown, Tennessee, convicted by the Criminal Court in Hamblen County of possession with intent to deliver a schedule 1 narcotic in February 2022.
- A 24-year-old citizen of Mexico in Vancouver, Washington, convicted by the Superior Court of Washington for Clark County of felony possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver (heroin and methamphetamine) in February 2022.
ICE targets and arrests 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 discretion inherent as law enforcement officials to focus enforcement resources on people who threaten the homeland. The effort includes noncitizens with a final order of removal. Cases amenable to federal criminal prosecution may be presented to the appropriate U.S. attorney’s office.
In fiscal year (FY) 2022, ERO arrested 46,396 noncitizens with criminal histories; this group had 198,498 associated charges and convictions. These included 21,531 assault offenses; 8,164 sex and sexual assault offenses; 5,554 weapons offenses; 1,501 homicide-related offenses; and 1,114 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 Twitter @ICEgov.
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