U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), together with federal partners, carried out a week-long enforcement operation in Laredo, Texas, from April 6 to April 12. The operation led to the arrest of 44 individuals identified as illegal aliens. Among them were 24 criminal aliens and a member of the Paisas gang, according to a recent announcement.
The arrests involved individuals either charged or convicted of a range of criminal activities. These activities included driving while intoxicated, theft, evading arrest, assault, possession of marijuana, alien smuggling, illegal re-entry, sexual assault, resisting arrest, possession of a controlled substance, burglary, possessing a firearm as an alien, and tampering with evidence. ICE revealed that the operation focused on enhancing public safety and ensuring national and border security.
Robert Cerna, acting Field Office Director for ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations in Harlingen, stated, "We remain committed to our mission of keeping communities safe by locating, arresting and removing criminal aliens who pose a threat to public safety and national security." He emphasized that ICE will not exempt any classes or categories of removable aliens from enforcement actions. “Routine operations will continue in south Texas and the nation to find the worst of all aliens in violation of our immigration laws. They will be subject to arrest, detention and – if found removable by final order – removal from the United States,” asserted Cerna.
ICE Homeland Security Investigations San Antonio Special Agent in Charge Craig Larrabee acknowledged the importance of collaboration in this operation, saying that it "highlights the value of a comprehensive, multi-agency approach to ensuring public safety in our south Texas communities." He reiterated the commitment to working closely with law enforcement partners and using all available resources to protect communities along the southern border.
Some of the individuals apprehended may face further legal charges, potential removal to their home country, or continued detention by ICE while awaiting immigration proceedings. ICE encourages citizens to report crimes or suspicious activities by calling 866-DHS-2-ICE or submitting an online tip through their form.
