ICE Phoenix arrests 2 illegal aliens with serious criminal histories in Arizona

PHOENIX - ICE Phoenix arrested two illegal aliens with significant criminal histories, including felony convictions, in separate enforcement actions in northern Arizona during the week of Aug. 2.

Norberto Osornio-Gutierrez, a 50-year-old criminal illegal alien from Mexico, was arrested by ICE near Prescott for violating U.S. immigration laws. Osornio-Gutierrez's criminal history includes convictions for burglary, traffic violations and drug violations, including attempt to possess with intent to distribute cocaine.

Osornio first entered the country at an unknown date and location. On June 24, 1996, the immigration court in Eloy issued a deportation order for Osornio. That order was executed, and, after subsequent illegal reentries, authorities reinstated that removal order six more times in 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002 and 2011.

Officers arrested Osornio as part of a targeted enforcement action. During the arrest, ERO officers issued lawful commands in English and Spanish. Osornio-Gutierrez fled on foot before officers took him into custody without further incident.

Dinesh Sapkota, a 28-year-old criminal illegal alien from Nepal, was arrested by ICE Phoenix officers near Flagstaff for violating U.S. immigration laws. Sapkota's criminal history includes 2023 convictions for kidnapping, aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, sexual abuse, and aggravated assault involving a physically restrained victim. The charges stemmed from a 2022 arrest by the Flagstaff Police Department.

Sapkota legally entered the U.S. on May 2, 2016, but overstayed his period of legal admittance.

Officers made the arrest as part of a targeted enforcement action. Sapkota will remain in ICE custody pending removal proceedings. ICE Phoenix conducted the arrest as part of ongoing immigration enforcement efforts targeting individuals unlawfully present in the United States who have criminal histories.

"ICE officers in Arizona continue to prioritize the arrest and removal of individuals who violate U.S. immigration law and pose a threat to public safety," said ICE Phoenix Field Office Director John Cantú. "These arrests reflect the professionalism and commitment of our officers, who carry out lawful immigration enforcement operations every day to help keep Arizona communities safe."

ICE remains committed to enforcing U.S. immigration law and removing individuals who undermine public safety and the integrity of the nation's immigration system. Under President Trump and Secretary Mullin's leadership, ICE is carrying out its mandate to enforce our immigration laws and remove public safety threats from American communities.

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