ERO Los Angeles arrests 36 noncitizens with sex offense convictions during nationwide law enforcement effort

LOS ANGELES — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) officers apprehended 36 unlawfully present noncitizen sex offenders during a nationwide law enforcement effort that ran from Feb. 5 to Feb. 16.

"The men and women of ERO Los Angeles are dedicated, mission-driven, and 100% committed to protecting our communities from sexual predators," said acting Field Office Director Ernesto Santacruz. "Dedicating countless hours over many days and nights, the outcome of this operation ensures there are 36 fewer threats in our communities that can no longer prey on innocent people or children."

This announcement follows a nationwide enforcement effort in January, during which 171 individuals presenting a threat to public safety were arrested. By using an intelligence-driven enforcement model, ERO makes efficient use of limited resources to promote public safety in communities across the United States.

Those arrested include:

• A 46-year-old citizen of Guatemala convicted of rape of incapable person.
• A 55-year-old citizen of Mexico convicted of sexual intercourse with a minor, lewd or lascivious acts with a child under 14 and additional crimes, including robbery, terrorist threats and receiving stolen property.

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 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 ERO Los Angeles' mission to increase public safety in your community on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @EROLosAngeles.

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