In a large-scale operation that took place from April 6 to 12, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), in collaboration with multiple law enforcement partners, targeted significant criminal alien offenders in and around New York City. An official statement cited by ICE reveals that the agents focused on individuals with egregious criminal histories, apprehending a total of 206 individuals during the increased immigration enforcement operation.
Acting ICE Director Todd M. Lyons emphasized the safety impact of the operation on New York, stating, "New York is much safer today because of the hard work of ICE and our law enforcement partners." Despite the dedicated efforts to detain these illegal aliens, the task was made more challenging as certain local jurisdictions had refused to honor immigration detainers, consequently releasing these individuals back into their communities, as mentioned in the press release.
The law enforcement agencies involved in the operation paid special attention to criminal networks recognized for their activities in the New York area, including transnational criminal organizations like MS-13 and the 18th Street gangs, according to a press release from ICE. The operation did not limit itself to New York City, extending into the Long Island and Lower Hudson Valley regions of New York.
As reported by ICE, of the detainees, 121 had significant criminal convictions or pending charges for crimes as severe as murder, assault, arson, and drug trafficking. Judith Almodovar, Acting Field Office Director for ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations in New York City, noted, “The majority of the aliens arrested have egregious criminal histories to include manslaughter, rape, assault, drug trafficking and sex assault against minors. I am exceptionally grateful for the professionalism and dedication of our ICE New York City officers and special agents as well as the unwavering support from our partners in the FBI, DEA, ATF, USMS, DSS and the USAOs of both SDNY and EDNY during this week-long operation to remove dangerous alien offenders from our New York City communities.”
The operation was a joint effort, encompassing federal partners like the FBI, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), and the Diplomatic Security Service (DSS). These efforts were augmented by the U.S. Attorney's Offices for the Eastern and Southern Districts of New York, which assisted in the strategic planning and execution of the week-long operation.
Members of the public who wish to report crimes or suspicious activities are encouraged to call the ICE hotline at 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or to fill out their online tip form available on the ICE website. For those interested in learning more about ICE's mission and actions to promote public safety in communities, further details can be found on their official website.
