U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), in collaboration with federal law enforcement agencies, has announced the arrest of 133 illegal aliens during a targeted enforcement operation in New York. The mission, conducted from March 24 to March 28, focused on criminal illegal alien offenders and immigration violators, aiming to enhance public safety, national security, and border security across western, central, and northern New York.
ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Buffalo's acting Deputy Field Office Director, Philip Rhoney, emphasized the importance of cooperation with federal partners and intelligence-driven strategies in ensuring national security. "I am grateful for the professionalism, dedication, and support from all of our partners during this week-long operation to remove dangerous alien offenders from our New York communities.”
The operation was concentrated around the Buffalo area, with activities extending to other parts of western and upstate New York. The efforts resulted in the apprehension of 84 illegal aliens in Buffalo and Rochester, and 49 from Syracuse, Albany, Rouses Point, and Massena.
Erin Keegan, Special Agent in Charge of ICE Homeland Security Investigations Buffalo, highlighted the success of the operation. She noted, "Standing side-by-side with our partners, ICE HSI will utilize every tool at our disposal to ensure the safety and security of New Yorkers. I commend our partners from the FBI, CBP, USBP, ATF, DEA, DSS, and USMS for their unwavering collaboration in support of this vital mission.”
The arrests included individuals with criminal convictions or charges, such as those previously convicted of homicide. Of note, nine of those arrested had been previously removed from the United States.
During the operation, four criminal search warrants were executed in connection with federal violations related to bringing in and harboring certain aliens, leading to 18 administrative arrests for immigration law violations.
Some individuals arrested included a 49-year-old convicted of murder from Trinidad and Tobago, a 66-year-old from the Dominican Republic with a conviction related to sexual conduct with a child, a 32-year-old from El Salvador associated with murder and gang assault, and others with charges ranging from drug-related offenses to distribution and possession of child pornography.
Various partner agencies participated in the operation, including the FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and the U.S. Marshals Service, among others.
The public is encouraged to report crimes and suspicious activity through ICE’s hotline or the online tip form.
