ICE Newark, law enforcement partners arrest illegal alien in New Jersey with extensive criminal history

NEWARK, N.J. — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, with assistance from law enforcement partners, apprehended Richard Alfanso Smith, 48, an illegally present Jamaican national subject to a final order of removal, Feb. 19. Smith tried to abscond and evade arrest during a routine enforcement operation in Basking Ridge, New Jersey and remains in ICE custody pending removal from the United States.

“In a collaborated effort, ICE arrested Richard Alfanso Smith, a citizen of Jamaica who has more than 15 criminal arrests with his convictions,” said ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Newark Field Office Director John Tsoukaris. “His extensive track record of arrests, convictions and imprisonments is not compliant with our nation’s immigration laws. We are grateful for the resources our law enforcement partners were able to pool together quickly in real time to ensure the target was apprehended.”

Smith’s criminal history began when he was convicted of assault, burglary, harassment and disorderly conduct in May 1996.

Smith was sentenced to four years in June 1999, for aggravated assault and resisting arrest and, during the same month, was sentenced to another four years for manufacture, distribution, and possession with intent to distribute heroin.

He was convicted October 8, 2002, for possession of marijuana and sentenced to 36 days imprisonment.

Smith was sentenced March 5, 2004, for assault and possession of a controlled dangerous substance and ordered to four years’ imprisonment.

He was sentenced March 17, 2006, to six years for aggravated assault and unlawful possession of weapon.

Smith was convicted April 25, 2014, for resisting arrest and assessed a fine.

Members of the public can report crimes and suspicious activity by dialing 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or completing the online tip form.

Learn more about ICE’s mission to increase public safety in our communities on X: @ERONewark.

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