U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) conducted an enhanced targeted enforcement operation in Kentucky from March 10 to 14, resulting in the arrest of 81 individuals who were illegally present in the United States. The operation involved collaboration with multiple federal law enforcement agencies. Of those arrested, 25 individuals face charges for various criminal offenses, including illegal reentry, illegal possession of firearms, and illegal possession of controlled substances.
The individuals not facing criminal charges will remain in ICE custody pending removal proceedings. The arrests included nationals from Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Cuba, India, and Palau.
Specific cases highlighted by ICE include a 35-year-old Honduran charged with firearm possession by an illegal alien and illegal reentry; a 50-year-old Mexican facing similar firearm charges; and a 30-year-old Mexican charged with intent to distribute methamphetamine alongside other firearm-related offenses. Other notable arrests involved convictions for domestic violence and sexual misconduct.
Sam Olson, ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Chicago Field Office Director, emphasized the importance of public safety efforts: “Public safety relies on the expertise of ICE officers who are able to coordinate across federal agencies to accomplish these arrests,” Olson stated. He further expressed gratitude towards federal partners in Kentucky committed to removing threats to public safety and national security.
Participating agencies included the FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Marshals Service, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Legal proceedings are being handled by U.S. Attorney's Offices for both the Western District of Kentucky and the Eastern District of Kentucky.
The public is encouraged to report crimes or suspicious activities via phone at 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or through an online tip form.
For more information on ICE’s public safety mission, follow @EROChicago on X.
