Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers arrested 24 individuals in Bellefonte on August 19, as reported by the agency. The suspects apprehended are said to have violated U.S. immigration laws, with one of them allegedly linked to the MS-13 gang, and another with an assault conviction. These arrests come as part of sustained efforts by law enforcement to clamp down on illegal immigration and criminal activity, as per ICE.
The operation was centered on a targeted location near Interstate 99, where an investigation had zeroed in on multiple suspects believed to be unlawfully present in the area. The individuals were arrested after traffic stops once they left the premises. Notably, among those detained were a suspected MS-13 gang member and homicide suspect from El Salvador, identified as Oscar Alexis Martinez-Lopez. ICE also apprehended Delfin Amaya-Peres, a Honduran national with a criminal history that includes assault, according to ICE's statement.
Further, the agency detailed that seven of the arrested had final orders of removal, with four under reinstated orders. There were also four individuals previously expelled under Title 42, which was a pandemic-related public health order allowing for the rapid expulsion of migrants. ICE has expressed its commitment to the safety and security of U.S. communities by prioritizing the removal of those seen as threats.
ICE has encouraged the public to provide information on crimes or suspicious activities by contacting the ICE Tip Line.
