U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) encountered Dipakkumar Ghelani, an Indian national, at the Duval County Pre-Trial Detention Facility on April 16 following his arrest by the Florida Highway Patrol. Ghelani was taken into custody on a felony warrant related to drug trafficking charges involving narcotics with an estimated street value of over $13 million.
The case highlights the role of ICE’s partnerships under section 287(g), which allows designated local law enforcement agencies to collaborate with federal immigration authorities. "Ghelani’s arrest shows how valuable our 287(g) partnerships are," said ICE Director Todd M. Lyons. "The Florida Highway Patrol has consistently proven to be a reliable partner in supporting ICE’s efforts to arrest potentially dangerous criminal illegal aliens like Ghelani, who’s been convicted of providing alcohol to a child and arrested for felony possession of money from selling drugs, being a fugitive from justice, and drug trafficking."
According to ICE, Ghelani entered the United States on March 18, 2016 using a B-2 nonimmigrant visa that expired on May 23, 2019. During an interview with immigration officials, he was unable to provide documentation confirming his legal status in the country.
ICE stated it will make a determination regarding Ghelani's custody once his local and state charges are resolved.
Members of the public can report crimes or suspicious activity by calling 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or submitting information through the agency's online tip form.
