Deportation officers working with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Enforcement and Removal Operations New York Field Office apprehended 12 unlawfully present noncitizens convicted of sex offenses Oct. 22-Nov. 4 during a nationwide enforcement campaign.

According to a Nov. 23 news release, 138 individuals were detained due to ERO efforts nationwide, including some who had received earlier removal orders from the country but failed to leave.

“The emotional damage inflicted by sexual perpetrators on their victims can last a lifetime,” ERO New York Field Office Acting Field Office Director Kenneth Genalo said in the release. “The work of our officers on this operation has prevented future potential victims from such harm. This invaluable contribution to community safety should be especially valued at this time of year when families all over gather to celebrate together.”

Of the 12 individuals arrested, one is from Bolivia, two are from Honduras, two are from Mexico, one is from Guatemala, two are from Haiti, one is from Uruguay, one is from Canada, one is from Guyana and one is from El Salvador, according to the release.

This recent ERO operation was put into effect to combat unlawfully present noncitizens convicted of sex offenses. Cases which are amenable to federal criminal prosecution are eligible for presentation to the appropriate U.S. attorney's office, the release reported.