ICE's top 5 news stories for the week ending Feb. 6, 2015

Feb. 2, 2015 – ICE dismantles major transnational drug trafficking, money laundering organization

Nineteen alleged members of a major international drug trafficking and money laundering organization responsible for the importation of multi-kilogram quantities of cocaine into the United States and the laundering of millions of dollars were arrested Jan. 29 in Colombia, Puerto Rico and Florida. Dubbed “Bullfighter,” the joint investigation was led by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). Full Story

Feb. 2, 2015 – ICE removes fugitive murder convict to Honduras

A Honduran man convicted of murder charges in his home country was removed from the United States Jan. 30 by officers with ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO). Full Story

Jan. 30, 2015 – ICE Newark deports MS-13 gang member wanted in El Salvador for extortion

A Salvadoran man, a member of the violent street gang MS-13, and is wanted on an Interpol Red Notice for extortion in his home country, was removed from the United States on Friday by officers with ERO Newark and turned over to law enforcement officials in El Salvador. Full Story

Jan. 30, 2015 – Lebanese national deported after admitting fraud in obtaining immigration benefits

A Lebanese man, who admitted he entered the United States without proper documentation and lied to obtain lawful immigration status in the country, was deported Jan. 29 to his home country. The removal is the culmination of an enforcement action by HSI and ERO with assistance from ICE’s Human Rights Violators and War Crimes Center and ICE Detroit’s Office of the Chief Counsel. Full Story

Jan. 29, 2015 – Federal agencies seize more than $19.5 million in fake NFL merchandise during 'Operation Team Player'

Federal officials teamed with the National Football League (NFL) Jan. 29 to announce the results of a nationwide law enforcement effort aimed at combatting counterfeit sports merchandise. Full Story