ERO Philadelphia removes convicted drug trafficker to Columbia

PHILADELPHIA - Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Enforcement and Removal Operations Philadelphia removed Carlos Julio Sierra Varela, a citizen of Colombia with a final order of removal, to Colombia on Jan. 12. Sierra was convicted in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York for international cocaine distribution conspiracy and sentenced to time served.

"ERO Philadelphia successfully removed Carlos Julio Sierra Varela, a convicted international cocaine distributor, to his home country of Colombia, as a result of coordinated efforts and commitment from our dedicated team," said ERO Philadelphia acting Field Office Director Brian McShane. "This removal underscores our continued resolve to uphold the laws of the United States and ensure the safety of the American public."

The U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York indicted Sierra May 25, 2016, for international cocaine distribution conspiracy. U.S. Customs and Border Protection paroled him into the U.S. on April 13, 2019, at the John F. Kennedy International Airport to face prosecution. CBP remanded custody of Sierra on the same day to the U.S. Marshals Service and lodged an immigration detainer on him.

Sierra was convicted for international cocaine distribution conspiracy on Dec. 4, 2024, and sentenced to time served. ERO New York took custody of Sierra on Dec. 5, 2024, and served him with an order of expedited removal. ERO New York then transferred him that day to ERO Philadelphia and detained him at the Moshannon Valley Processing Center in Philipsburg, Pennsylvania to await removal.