ICE arrests 171 noncitizens with pending charges or convictions for murder, homicide or assault against children during nation-wide law enforcement effort

WASHINGTON — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) officers apprehended 171 unlawfully present noncitizens with pending charges or convictions for murder, homicide or assault against children during a nation-wide law enforcement effort that ran from January 16-28, 2024.

“The results of this weeklong effort are a testament to ERO’s commitment to protecting the homeland through the arrest and removal of those who undermine the safety of U.S. communities and the integrity of U.S. immigration laws,” said ICE Deputy Director and Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Director Patrick J. Lechleitner. “Enforcement and Removal Operations personnel are committed to enforcing the nation’s immigration laws humanely, effectively, and with the highest standards of professionalism.”

Those arrested include:

• A 53-year-old citizen of El Salvador in Tacoma, Washington, convicted of felony child molestation in the first degree, child molestation in the second degree, and rape of a child in the third degree.
• A 27-year-old citizen of El Salvador in Los Angeles, convicted of lewd or lascivious acts with a child under 14 years-old and possession of obscene matter of a minor in a sexual act.
• A 45-year-old citizen of Mexico in Dallas, convicted of aggravated sexual assault of a child and currently under criminal prosecution for illegal reentry into the United States after removal.
• A 35-year-old citizen of Mexico in Chicago, convicted of sexual assault of a child 2nd degree.
• A 32-year-old citizen of Mexico in Denver, convicted of Murder 1 extreme indifference – attempts and two convictions of illegal re-entry into the United States.
• A 21-year-old citizen of Mexico in Chicago, convicted of child pornography – possess visual reproduction on computer – victim under 13.
• A 49-year-old citizen of Mexico in El Paso, Texas, convicted of sexual assault.

ICE focuses on the arrest of 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 inherent discretion as law enforcement officials to focus enforcement resources on those who pose a threat to national security, public safety, or border security. These efforts include noncitizens with final orders of removal. Cases amenable to federal criminal prosecution may be presented to the appropriate U.S. attorney’s office.

In fiscal year (FY) 2023 ERO arrested 73,822 noncitizens with criminal histories; this group had 290,178 associated charges and convictions with an average of four per individual. These included 33,209 assaults; 4,390 sex and sexual assaults; 7,520 weapons offenses; 1,713 charges or convictions for homicide; and 1,655 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.

Source: U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE.gov)