U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement announced they nabbed more than 100 criminals in a recent sting operation targeting illegal aliens associated with drug trafficking, DUI, weapons violations, child sex offenses, identity theft and other crimes.
During the 12-day enforcement operation primarily conducted in Pennsylvania and West Virginia, Enforcement Removal Operations officers arrested 101 foreign nationals, including 64 who had previous criminal convictions. Thirty-seven who were taken into custody were recent immigration law violators or federal interest cases as part of the Obama administration’s Priority Enforcement Program. Two of those apprehended face federal prosecution for re-entering the country after deportation and will face up to 10 years in prison.
“ICE’s targeted enforcement operations like this one take convicted criminals and other public-safety threats off the streets,” said ERO Philadelphia field office director Thomas Decker in a statement.
“These actions focus our resources on the most egregious offenders and promote public safety in the communities in which we live and work,” he added. “Under a 2014 executive action by President Obama, individuals illegally in the U.S. who have committed in the country are subject to these stings.
The 101 foreign nationals came from 24 countries, including Mexico, Colombia, Iraq and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Individuals not being criminally prosecuted or have outstanding deportation orders will be immediately removed from the United States, while the rest remain in ICE custody.
Among those arrested were a Mexican man convicted for carrying a deadly weapon, a Liberian with a felony on his record for sexually assaulting a minor, and a Sierra Leonean man whose prior convictions include drinking under the influence of alcohol, drug possession and the corruption of minors.
Those who are not facing criminal prosecution, have outstanding deportation orders, or have returned illegally after being kicked out of the United States will be immediately removed from the country. Those remaining are in ICE custody, awaiting a hearing or travel arrangements for future removal.
