ICE Atlanta announces results of multiagency operations across Georgia

ATLANTA — U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement announced April 4 the results of interagency enforcement operations targeting illegal aliens present in Georgia.

Since Jan. 22, federal agents have arrested about 1,500 illegal aliens statewide, through a targeted enforcement effort aimed at protecting public safety and upholding the rule of law. These arrests were made possible through strong collaboration among federal agencies including the FBI, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and the United States Marshalls Service.

Since March 24, agents and officers have made over 150 arrests for criminal and civil immigration violations across Georgia with a focus on gangs, drug trafficking, violent crimes, organized crime, and other public safety threats. During these actions, agents seized narcotics, firearms, and bulk currency drug proceeds from illegal aliens. ICE Homeland Security Investigations simultaneously led a large-scale labor trafficking operation which resulted in the rescue of trafficking victims and criminal arrests. These arrests are a crucial part of ICE’s ongoing commitment to identifying and removing aliens who pose a risk to public safety and communities across the state of Georgia and the United States.

Key highlights of the operation:

• ICE assisted the Cobb County Police Department with the arrest of a Honduran national, who is illegally in the United States, for the alleged murder and rape of an unidentified female. The subject was previously ordered removed by an immigration judge in July of 2023.
• During an ICE, ATF, and DEA operation, law enforcement arrested four individuals and seized 13 firearms. One of the subjects arrested is in the United States illegally and was in possession of a firearm.
• During an ICE, DEA, ATF, and FBI operation, law enforcement arrested 13 illegal aliens and seized two firearms and approximately $170,000 in cash. One subject will be charged with possession of a firearm.
• ICE, with assistance from multiple law enforcement agencies including the FBI, Georgia Bureau of Investigations, and the Bartow County Sheriff’s Office, arrested the owner of a flooring manufacturing company and the owner’s nephew during a labor trafficking operation in Cartersville, Georgia. In total, eight search warrants were executed, and more than 60 victims were rescued. The victims were allegedly brought to the United States and forced to live in deplorable housing conditions and work long hours under poor conditions for unfair wages.

"HSI remains unwavering in its mission to protect the safety and security of our communities," said ICE HSI Atlanta Special Agent in Charge Steven N. Schrank, which covers Georgia and Alabama. "The individuals arrested in these operations are not only in the U.S. illegally but have also been involved in activities that harm American citizens and residents. Through these operations, we are sending a clear message that criminal activity will not be tolerated, regardless of immigration status."

Many of those arrested were previously convicted of serious crimes such as assault, drug distribution, weapons offenses, child exploitation, and other felonies. These individuals were apprehended through coordinated efforts with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies.

In addition to its criminal enforcement operations, ICE, alongside its federal, state, and local partners, continues to focus on dismantling human trafficking networks, disrupting smuggling operations, and working to combat transnational criminal organizations. The agency’s focus on criminal illegal aliens aligns with its commitment to enhancing national security and public safety.

ICE encourages the public to report suspicious activity to the ICE Tip Line at 1-866-347-2423.

For more information about HSI’s work, please follow us on X: @HSIAtlanta.