U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), in collaboration with various law enforcement agencies, conducted a four-day operation from May 6 to May 9, resulting in the arrest of 189 illegal aliens in Washington, D.C. The operation also involved serving notices of inspection to 187 local businesses.
Russell Hott, ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Washington, D.C. Field Office Director, stated, “The District of Columbia is exponentially safer today because of countless hours of investigative work and dedication to duty displayed by ICE Washington, D.C. and our law enforcement partners.” He emphasized the focus on "the most dangerous alien offenders" in crime-prone areas.
The operation included efforts from ICE’s ERO and Homeland Security Investigations directorates along with federal partners such as the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, Virginia Department of Corrections, FBI, ATF, DEA, U.S. Marshals Service, and the U.S. State Department’s Diplomatic Security Service. The targeted offenders were linked to transnational criminal organizations like MS-13 and Tren de Aragua.
Christopher Heck, Acting Special Agent in Charge at ICE Homeland Security Investigations Washington, D.C., noted that many arrested individuals had serious criminal histories involving violent crimes. He expressed gratitude for the support from law enforcement partners.
U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin Jr. attributed the success to leadership under President Trump and highlighted that these arrests signify progress towards making Washington safer for legal citizens.
David Richeson from the Diplomatic Security Service reiterated their role in reducing illegal immigration and tackling transnational crimes.
Among those apprehended were individuals with extensive criminal records including charges related to drug possession, assault, weapon offenses, and unlawful reentry into the United States.
ICE encourages public reporting of crimes or suspicious activities through their hotline or online tip form.
More information about ICE's mission can be found on X at @EROWashington.
