ERO San Diego arrests 4 noncitizens with drug-related convictions during nationwide law enforcement effort

SAN DIEGO — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) San Diego officers apprehended four unlawfully present noncitizens who have been convicted of drug trafficking or multiple drug possession related offenses involving methamphetamine, fentanyl, cocaine, heroin or synthetic drugs during a nationwide law enforcement effort that ran from March 11 through March 26.

The announcement follows a nationwide enforcement effort in February where 275 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 the following:

• A 48-year-old citizen of the United Kingdom in San Diego. In September 2017, the Superior Court of California, County of San Diego, convicted this noncitizen of possession of controlled substance: methamphetamine.
• A 43-year-old citizen of Mexico in San Diego. In May 2022, the Superior Court of California, County of San Diego, convicted this noncitizen of possession of controlled substance for sale: methamphetamine.
• A 42-year-old citizen of Mexico in Imperial Beach. In September 2004, the Superior Court of California, County of San Diego, convicted this noncitizen of possession for sale controlled substance: methamphetamine, for which he received 210 days of confinement.
• A 61-year-old citizen of Mexico in San Diego. In February 1995, the Superior Court of California, County of San Diego, convicted this noncitizen of felony transportation of a controlled substance: methamphetamine and possession for sale of a controlled substance: methamphetamine (2 pounds) and was sentenced to two years in state prison.

ICE focuses on arresting 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 ICE’s mission to increase public safety in your community on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @EROSanDiego.

B-roll and imagery of the operation is available on DVIDS.

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