In a 12-day operation, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested over 200 illegal immigrants with convictions for drug trafficking or multiple drug possessions. The agency detained 216 individuals from 30 different countries who were involved in distributing hard drugs like cocaine, heroin, fentanyl, methamphetamine, and synthetic drugs. This operation, which occurred from March 11 to March 22 in 25 jurisdictions, including cities like Boston, Seattle, and Washington D.C., resulted in the deportation of 36 individuals, with the rest expected to be removed soon. Acting ICE Director P.J. Lechleitner emphasized the importance of arresting and removing those who undermine public safety and violate immigration laws.
Among those apprehended were individuals with serious criminal backgrounds, including a Mexican citizen in New Jersey convicted of money laundering, narcotics conspiracy, and firearms possession related to drug trafficking. Another individual, a Salvadoran citizen in Cincinnati, was convicted of conspiracy to possess fentanyl, while an Indian citizen in Orlando was convicted of trafficking oxycodone and fentanyl. Lechleitner highlighted the severity of the drugs involved, citing CDC figures that showed nearly 110,000 drug overdose deaths in fiscal year 2023. The focus of ICE’s efforts is to protect the American public by targeting individuals contributing to the drug crisis.
ERO is assisting with the deportation process for those captured, utilizing immigration detainers to ensure that potentially dangerous non-citizens arrested on criminal charges are removed from the country. Lechleitner underscored the risks involved in apprehending individuals in communities and emphasized the importance of safeguarding innocent people and law enforcement officers. All 216 individuals arrested during this operation were considered “at-large” and posed potential threats to public safety. In fiscal year 2023, ERO arrested over 73,000 non-citizens with criminal histories, resulting in over 290,000 associated charges and convictions, with an average of four per individual. These charges included assaults, sex offenses, weapons offenses, homicide, and kidnapping offenses.
ERO Deputy Executive Associate Director Russ Hott praised the operation as a demonstration of the dedication of ERO officers in promoting public safety, combating the distribution of dangerous drugs, and disrupting transnational criminal enterprises. Their efforts are aimed at protecting communities from the introduction of fentanyl and other harmful drugs by removing individuals who traffic drugs and contribute to the ongoing crisis. Despite facing limitations in resources and funding, ICE remains committed to targeting non-citizens who pose a threat to public safety and enforcing immigration laws. The agency continues to prioritize the removal of individuals involved in drug trafficking and other criminal activities to ensure the safety and well-being of communities across the country.
