ICE Apprehends 133 Illegal Aliens in Upstate New York

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, along with federal law enforcement partners, recently rounded up 133 foreign nationals in a focused enforcement operation targeting criminal illegal aliens and other immigration violators in New York.

This operation aimed to enhance public safety and border security, as highlighted by the arrest of 84 individuals in the Buffalo and Rochester areas and 49 more in Syracuse, Albany, Rouses Point, and Massena.

Among them were 20 individuals with criminal convictions or charges, including three convicted of homicide, and four criminal search warrants were executed at various worksites.

This sweep also resulted in 18 administrative immigration arrests. A notable case involved a Trinidad and Tobago national previously convicted of murder.

Other arrests included a Dominican national found guilty of sexual conduct with a child, a Salvadoran national convicted of murder and gang assault, and a Mexican national involved in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.

ICE Buffalo agents also removed two Honduran nationals with prior felony sexual offense convictions. These individuals had illegally entered the U.S. without any formal admission or parole by a U.S. Immigration official, a situation described as “gotaways.” This term is significant, given the record number of over two million gotaways reported entering the U.S. under the current administration.

One of the Honduran individuals was convicted of attempted rape in Suffolk County in 2021 and sentenced to seven years in prison. The other faced charges for sexual assault of a minor and violating a judicial restraining order. These operations underscore the ongoing challenges faced by ICE in managing illegal entries and criminal activities.

In another operation, ICE Buffalo agents detained a Mexican national who admitted to being part of the Paisas gang. His criminal history spans drug possession, resisting arrest, and illegal reentry. Despite multiple removals, he repeatedly entered the U.S. illegally, with his fourth removal now pending.

A separate effort led by Homeland Security Investigations New York apprehended a Tren De Aragua fugitive in the Bronx. This Venezuelan national was linked to home invasions and other crimes in Colorado and was charged with firearm possession. Their investigation involved several law enforcement agencies, highlighting the collaborative efforts to tackle such crimes.

In New York, there’s been an uptick in violence involving suspected TdA members. ICE noted significant conflicts within the gang, with some members even rejecting their affiliation and adopting the label “Anti-Tren.” This internal strife has contributed to numerous shootings and murders as hostilities between factions escalate.

ICE’s operations also extended to New York City, where agents arrested Mexican and Guatemalan nationals who had repeatedly entered the U.S. illegally. In one case, a Guatemalan national with convictions for sexual battery of a child was detained. His illegal entries date back to 2014, and he has been removed three times but continued to reenter.

Another Guatemalan national, with a history of assault and endangering a child, was also apprehended. His criminal activity began in 2012, leading to multiple removals. Despite this, he reentered the country illegally and continued to commit crimes, such as third-degree assault and criminal mischief.

ICE encourages the public to report any information on foreign fugitives or criminal aliens in the U.S. illegally. They can do so by contacting ICE’s Tip Line or using their online platform. This collaborative effort aims to enhance community safety by addressing the challenges posed by illegal immigration and criminal activities.