ICE Houston arrests 9 criminal aliens wanted for illegally reentering US
HOUSTON – U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) in Houston announced Wednesday the results of a recent enforcement action targeting criminal aliens who are alleged to have illegally reentered the United States after having previously been removed.
From Nov. 1, 2020, through Dec. 31, 2020, ERO Houston arrested nine criminal aliens in the greater Houston area after securing criminal arrest warrants for illegal reentry.
An alien who illegally re-enters the United States after having been previously deported commits a federal offense, which is punishable by up to 20 years in federal prison, if convicted.
In addition to their prior immigration-related offenses, all nine of the individuals arrested had previously been convicted of other criminal offenses and several are documented gang members.
“ICE takes seriously its obligation to enforce our nation’s immigration laws and seek out dangerous criminals who pose a threat to our communities,” said Daniel Bible, ERO Houston field office director. “The individuals arrested during this enforcement action have demonstrated a complete disregard for U.S. law and, in some cases, endangered American citizens with their brazen criminal conduct.”
All nine of the individuals arrested during the enforcement action have been transferred into the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service where they will remain pending further criminal proceedings. Following their criminal proceedings, ERO Houston will seek to take custody of the aliens to complete their removal from the United States.
ICE does not exempt classes or categories of removable aliens from potential enforcement. All those in violation of immigration law may be subject to arrest, detention and, if found removable by final order, removal from the United States. ICE takes many factors into account when targeting and arresting individuals, including their criminal and immigration history.
Every day as part of routine operations, ICE targets and arrests aliens who commit crimes, and other individuals who have violated our nation’s immigration laws. While being mindful of the current pandemic, ICE is continuing to conduct its critical public safety and immigration enforcement mission, while taking efforts to minimize the risks to officers, aliens, and the public.
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