ICE and other law enforcement agencies arrested 214 criminal illegal aliens in Northern Virginia during a 13-day targeted enforcement operation.
The operation took place from March 1 to March 13 and focused on illegal aliens with ties to transnational organized crime, gangs, and egregious illegal alien offenders.
ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Washington, D.C. Field Office Director Russ Hott said Virginia communities are safer due to law enforcement’s actions. He added that this operation targeted the “most dangerous alien offenders in some of the most gang-infested neighborhoods in Northern Virginia.”
“Over 200 arrests in such a brief time is an impressive number by any measure. It is truly awe-inspiring to see what can be accomplished with the level of cooperation shared among our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners,” Hott said.
“Everyone was truly invested in the success of this joint operation. ICE will continue our mission to prioritize public safety by arresting and removing illegal alien offenders from our Washington, D.C. and Virginia communities,” he added.
Members of MS-13 and the 18th Street gangs were picked up during this operation.
ICE Homeland Security Investigations Washington, D.C. acting Special Agent in Charge Christopher Heck said these arrests were only possible due to a strong partnership between law enforcement agencies.
“The level of dedication to this operation by the entire team was impressive to witness. Each of our law enforcement partners brought their own expertise to the mission. This was truly a team effort,” he said. “ICE will continue to work tirelessly to dismantle transnational criminal organizations working in our neighborhoods.”
“In the spirit of illicit gang activity, we are making gang members an offer they can’t refuse; leave the United States now. If you don’t, we will find you, and there will be consequences,” Heck explained. “We will arrest and prosecute you to the full extent of the law.”
Some of the people arrested in the raid include:
- a 26-year-old Salvadoran alien and member of MS-13 previously convicted for malicious wounding and larceny;
- a 37-year-old Jamaican alien previously convicted for second-degree murder and use of a firearm during the commission of a felony;
- a 46-year-old Mexican alien previously convicted for indecent liberties with a minor and soliciting a minor for prostitution.
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Zachery Schmidt is the digital editor of The Star News Network. Email tips to Zachery at zschmidt1717@gmail.com. Follow Zachery on Twitter @zacheryschmidt2.
