ICE arrests 72 criminal aliens during week-long multi-agency operation in the Rio Grande Valley

HARLINGEN, Texas – U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, with assistance from federal, state and local law enforcement partners, arrested 72 illegal aliens – including 61 criminal aliens and two documented gang members – during a targeted enforcement operation conducted from March 16 to 22 in the Rio Grande Valley area to bolster public safety, national security and border security.

ICE and its partners arrested 72 illegal aliens during the operation charged or convicted of a criminal offense while illegally present in the U.S., including:

• Two criminal aliens charged or convicted of an aggravated felony or other violent offense such as homicide, aggravated assault, or domestic violence
• Three criminal aliens charged or convicted of a sex offense or child sex offense such as aggravated sexual assault of a minor, possession of child pornography, or rape
• One criminal alien convicted of illegal firearms offenses such as unlawful carrying of a firearm, alien in possession of a firearm and aggravated assault with a firearm
• Eight criminal aliens charged or convicted of illicit narcotics offenses such as drug trafficking, or possession of a controlled substance
• Four criminal aliens charged or convicted of burglary or theft
• Seven criminal aliens charged or convicted of driving while intoxicated
• Seven criminal aliens charged or convicted of alien smuggling 8 USC 1324
• Fourteen criminal aliens charged or convicted of felony 8 USC 1326
• Thirteen criminal aliens charged or convicted of 8 USC 1325
• One criminal alien charged or convicted of fraud
• One criminal alien charged or convicted of soliciting prostitution

“The results of this operation are a clear indication of ICE’s commitment regarding the role we play in keeping our communities safe by locating, arresting and ultimately removing at-large criminal aliens who pose a threat to public safety, and other immigration fugitives,” said ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Harlingen acting Field Office Director Robert Cerna. “ICE’s leadership has made clear that ICE will no longer exempt classes or categories of removable aliens from potential enforcement. All those in violation of our immigration laws may be subject to immigration arrest, detention and – if found removable by final order – removal from the United States. By effecting these routine enforcement operations, the dedicated men and women of ICE help keep our communities safe.”

“ICE assisted in the arrest of criminal aliens with extensive criminal histories, including offenses such as child sex crimes, drug trafficking, weapons trafficking, and other serious violations,” said ICE Homeland Security Investigations San Antonio Special Agent in Charge Craig S. Larrabee. "Through strong partnerships with federal, state and local law enforcement, ICE remains committed to protecting South Texas communities by targeting criminal aliens who pose a threat to public safety. These coordinated efforts ensure dangerous individuals are removed from our neighborhoods, upholding the rule of law, and safeguarding our citizens.”

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.