U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at Chicago airports have apprehended 98 individuals wanted on outstanding warrants since October 1, 2024. These arrests occurred at both Chicago O'Hare International Airport and Chicago Midway International Airport. The detainees, ranging in age from 17 to 64, included 18 women and were captured either upon arrival or departure from the United States.
The warrants for the arrested persons cover a range of offenses. These include minor infractions such as failure to appear and more serious charges such as sexual assault, sex offenses against children, indecent solicitation, exploitation, strongarm rape, homicide, and drug-related crimes involving cocaine, marijuana, and fentanyl. The CBP officers identify and match travelers against active arrest warrants listed in the National Crime Information Center (NCIC)—an automated database used by law enforcement.
Once detained, the individuals are processed by CBP officers and then handed over to local sheriff departments or police for further legal action. “Customs and Border Protection officers encounter all types of travelers arriving to and departing from the United States, including travelers wanted for allegedly committing serious heinous offenses,” said LaFonda D. Sutton-Burke, Director, Field Operations, Chicago Field Office. She emphasized CBP's ongoing collaboration with law enforcement agencies to capture fugitives.
The NCIC facilitates information sharing among law enforcement agencies and has enabled CBP officers to arrest individuals for major crimes. These encompass homicide, escape, money laundering, robbery, narcotics distribution, sexual child abuse, fraud, larceny, and military desertion in the past.
CBP's role in American law enforcement is significant as it is the largest law enforcement organization in the nation and the first unified border management agency globally. The agency, with more than 65,000 personnel, works to safeguard U.S. borders and support lawful trade and travel, thus contributing to the country's economic prosperity and national security.
CBP encourages public engagement through various social media accounts and its YouTube channel that highlights how the Office of Field Operations secures U.S. borders.
