U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in New York City, alongside federal partners, has apprehended Edison Guillermo Pinto-Padron, a 26-year-old Venezuelan national. Pinto is identified as a member of a transnational organized criminal enterprise known as a South American theft group. The arrest took place on May 14.
"ICE places a high priority on identifying, arresting and removing transnational criminal gang members from the United States," stated Bryan Flanagan, acting Field Office Director for ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations in New York City. He added that ICE is always prepared to collaborate with law enforcement partners but expressed concern over officials who refuse to honor detainers based on personal beliefs rather than public safety considerations.
Pinto was initially encountered by U.S. Border Patrol near El Paso, Texas, on July 26, 2023, after illegally entering the country. He was issued a notice to appear and released under an order of recognizance.
Subsequently, Pinto was arrested by the Leesburg Police Department in Virginia on September 1, 2024. He faced charges of grand larceny, possession of burglarious tools, and contributing to the delinquency of a child. An immigration detainer was lodged by ICE against his release at Loudoun County Jail the following day; however, it was not honored when Pinto was released without notifying ICE.
The Loudoun County Circuit Court later convicted Pinto for grand larceny on December 12, 2024. He received a two-year suspended sentence along with two years of probation.
ICE New York City arrested Pinto again on May 14 in Manhattan under an arrest warrant. He remains detained in ICE custody without bond while awaiting removal proceedings.
For more information about ERO New York City's mission to preserve public safety follow @ERONewYork on X (formerly Twitter).
