U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) joined forces with the Bay County Sheriff’s Office and other agencies to conduct a two-day operation resulting in the arrest of 21 individuals who were illegally present in the United States. The joint effort, which took place in Bay and Leon Counties, primarily targeted those who had overstayed their visas.
The operation involved multiple agencies including ICE Homeland Security Investigations Panama City, ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Miami-Tallahassee field office, the U.S. Department of Justice, FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Panama City Beach Police Department, Florida Highway Patrol, Panama City Police Department, and Florida Department of Law Enforcement. Eighteen arrests occurred in Bay County while three took place in Leon County. The arrested individuals hailed from India, Venezuela, Nicaragua, Mexico, Guatemala, and Jamaica.
“These people came on legit visas and abused that,” stated Nicholas Ingegno from ICE Homeland Security Investigations Tallahassee. He emphasized that overstaying a visa is a federal crime along with entering illegally or setting up residence after a visa expires.
Sheriff Tommy Ford highlighted the importance of cooperation between various law enforcement bodies: “Our partnership with ICE strengthens our efforts to keep Bay County safe.” He expressed interest in expanding collaboration through programs like the 287(g) Task Force to better address illegal immigration linked to criminal activities.
Among those arrested were four individuals who entered without inspection by immigration officials; one faces charges for felony illegal reentry after prior removal. Sixteen others had initially entered legally under various visa programs but remained beyond their authorized stay.
Ingegno drew attention to historical instances where visa overstays led to significant security threats: “If you remember, a majority of the hijackers on 9/11 were visa overstays.”
Since January 1st this year alone, Bay County law enforcement has apprehended 178 illegal aliens with ICE detainers placed on them according to Ford.
ICE officials reiterated their focus on identifying public safety threats related to unlawful presence within the country during such operations where encountered individuals may be detained for processing under federal law guidelines.
Members of public having information about suspected immigration violations are encouraged by authorities towards reporting via ICE Tip Line at 866-DHS-2-ICE or submitting details online through provided forms.
For updates regarding ongoing efforts enhancing public safety across Florida by respective divisions such as HSI Tampa & ERO Miami can follow them over social media platform X using handles @HSITampa & EROMiami respectively.
