ICE, law enforcement partners arrest more than 200 alien offenders during enhanced gang operation in Northern Virginia

CHANTILLY, Va. — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and law enforcement partners apprehended 214 illegal aliens during an enhanced targeted enforcement operation focusing on transnational organized crime, gangs, and egregious illegal alien offenders in Northern Virginia March 1 to 13.

“Our communities in Virginia are safer today because our law enforcement officers stood between them and the danger. During this enforcement operation, ICE and our law enforcement partners targeted the most dangerous alien offenders in some of the most gang-infested neighborhoods in Northern Virginia, and this resulted in 214 arrests,” said ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Washington, D.C. Field Office Director Russ Hott. “Over 200 arrests in such a brief time is an impressive number by any measure. It is truly awe-inspiring to see what can be accomplished with the level of cooperation shared among our federal, state and local law enforcement partners. Everyone was truly invested in the success of this joint operation. ICE will continue our mission to prioritize public safety by arresting and removing illegal alien offenders from our Washington, D.C. and Virginia communities.”

ICE and their law enforcement partners targeted transnational criminal organizations known to operate in the Northern Virginia suburbs of Washington, D.C. These organizations include the notorious MS-13 and 18th Street gangs.

“The agents and officers involved in this enhanced operation truly made a difference in the Northern Virginia communities. The apprehension of 214 alien offenders is impressive and was only made possible through strong partnerships,” said ICE Homeland Security Investigations Washington, D.C. acting Special Agent in Charge Christopher Heck. “The level of dedication to this operation by the entire team was impressive to witness. Each of our law enforcement partners brought their own expertise to the mission. This was truly a team effort. ICE will continue to work tirelessly to dismantle transnational criminal organizations working in our neighborhoods.”

“The level of support ICE received from our partner law enforcement organizations was inspiring,” said Hott. “In the spirit of illicit gang activity, we are making gang members an offer they can’t refuse; leave the United States now. If you don’t, we will find you, and there will be consequences. We will arrest and prosecute you to the full extent of the law.”

Among those arrested during the enhanced targeted operation include:

• A 26-year-old Salvadoran alien and member of MS-13 previously convicted for malicious wounding and larceny.
• A 46-year-old, previously removed Salvadoran alien and member of MS-13 previously convicted for carrying a concealed weapon, trespassing, illegal re-entry after removal, and disorderly conduct.
• A 40-year-old Salvadoran alien and member of MS-13 who is wanted by authorities in El Salvador for aggravated extortion.
• A 37-year-old Jamaican alien previously convicted for second-degree murder and use of a firearm during the commission of a felony.
• A 46-year-old Mexican alien previously convicted for indecent liberties with a minor and soliciting a minor for prostitution.
• A 27-year-old Honduran alien previously convicted for object sexual penetration. The alien is currently detained pending removal proceedings.

Partner law enforcement participating in the operation were: U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Eastern and Western Districts of Virginia; FBI; U.S. Marshals Service; Drug Enforcement Administration; U.S. Customs and Border Protection; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Office of the Governor; the Office of the Attorney General; Virginia State Police; and Virginia Department of Corrections.

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: @EROWashington.

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