U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), in collaboration with various law enforcement agencies, apprehended 206 individuals during a targeted immigration enforcement operation in New York from April 6-12. The operation focused on criminal offenders residing in and around New York City.
Acting ICE Director Todd M. Lyons stated, “New York is much safer today because of the hard work of ICE and our law enforcement partners,” and noted that the operation successfully targeted dangerous offenders. The arrests took place in crime-prone areas of New York City. Lyons commended the commitment of all agencies involved in the operation, emphasizing ICE's mission to enhance public safety by removing illegal offenders.
ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations, along with ICE Homeland Security Investigations, coordinated efforts with agencies such as the FBI, DEA, ATF, USMS, DSS, and U.S. Attorney Offices from both New York Districts. Their focus was on criminal organizations like MS-13 and other gangs, including Tren de Aragua, Sureños, and 18th Street gangs.
Judith Almodovar, ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations New York City Acting Field Office Director, highlighted the operation's success in arresting offenders with extensive criminal histories. These crimes included manslaughter, rape, and drug trafficking.
The operation occurred across the New York City area, extending to Long Island and the Lower Hudson Valley. Among those apprehended, 121 had serious criminal convictions, and some were involved in international crimes.
The report includes several notable arrests of individuals with criminal histories involving gangs and offenses ranging from assault to drug trafficking. In some cases, arrests were necessitated by local jurisdictions' refusal to honor immigration detainers, leading to the release of offenders back into communities.
The operation involved multiple federal partners, including the FBI and DEA among others. ICE encourages the public to report crimes or suspicious activities via phone or online.
Further information on ICE’s community safety mission is available on their official X account: @ICEgov.
