U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), in collaboration with the Washington City Police Department, executed a search warrant on May 14 in Washington City, Utah. The operation targeted residences suspected of harboring false documents and illegal drugs.
The operation resulted in the arrest of 19 individuals. Among those detained were six undocumented immigrants with final removal orders, two with expedited removal orders, five with voluntary departure agreements, and three who received notices to appear before an immigration judge. Additionally, one individual from Mexico faces charges of identity theft and forgery, while another from Guatemala was previously removed from the U.S. and now faces similar charges.
Lester R. Hayes Jr., Special Agent in Charge at ICE Homeland Security Investigations Las Vegas, stated: "By leveraging the assets of federal and local law enforcement, we will continue to successfully fulfill our mission of ensuring public safety and national security." He emphasized that collaboration with law enforcement partners contributes to safer neighborhoods.
During the operation, authorities encountered various federal crimes including illegal presence in the U.S., reentry after a prior removal order, as well as state-level charges for forgery and identity theft. There was also one arrest related to drug charges under a Utah state warrant.
The primary focus was a large residence subdivided into smaller units housing numerous adults under unsafe conditions. This location had been subject to multiple police interventions over several years for incidents involving domestic violence-related shootings, drug activity, and noise complaints. It was considered problematic by both law enforcement officials and city leaders.
This investigation involved multiple agencies including HSI St. George, Enforcement and Removal Operations in St. George, the U.S. Marshals Service, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the St. George Police Department, and the Washington County Sheriff's Office. Those arrested remain in ICE custody pending further proceedings.
For more information about this operation or other activities by ICE Homeland Security Investigations Las Vegas, visit ICE.gov or follow their updates on X at @HSILasVegas.
