ICE arrests 44 criminal aliens during week long multi agency operation

LAREDO, Texas - U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, with assistance from federal partners, arrested 44 illegal aliens - including 24 criminal aliens and one documented Paisas gang member - during a targeted enforcement operation conducted from April 6-12 to bolster public safety, national security, and border security.

The illegal aliens are either charged or convicted of various criminal offenses including:

• Four criminal aliens convicted of driving while intoxicated.
• One criminal alien convicted of theft.
• Six criminal aliens arrested for driving while intoxicated.
• Two criminal aliens convicted for evading arrest.
• Five criminal aliens arrested for assault.
• Four criminal aliens arrested for possession of marijuana.
• Three criminal aliens convicted for alien smuggling.
• Six criminal aliens convicted for illegal re-entry.
• One criminal alien arrested for sexual assault.
• One criminal alien convicted for sexual assault.
• One criminal alien convicted for possession of marijuana.
• One criminal alien arrested for resisting arrest.
• One criminal alien arrested for possession of a controlled substance.
• Two criminal aliens convicted for burglary.
• One criminal alien convicted for alien in possession of a firearm.
• One criminal alien arrested for tampering with evidence.
• One criminal alien was a documented Paisas gang member.

"We remain committed to our mission of keeping communities safe by locating, arresting and removing criminal aliens who pose a threat to public safety and national security," said ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Harlingen acting Field Office Director Robert Cerna. "ICE will no longer exempt classes or categories of removable aliens from potential enforcement. Routine operations will continue in south Texas and the nation to find the worst of all aliens in violation of our immigration laws. They will be subject to arrest, detention and - if found removable by final order - removal from the United States."

"The success of this targeted enforcement effort highlights the value of a comprehensive, multi-agency approach to ensuring public safety in our south Texas communities," said ICE Homeland Security Investigations San Antonio Special Agent in Charge Craig Larrabee. "We remain committed to working closely with our law enforcement partners and leveraging all available resources to protect our communities along the southern border."

Some of these criminal aliens will face additional criminal charges, removal to their home country or remain in ICE custody pending immigration proceedings.

Members of the public can report crimes and suspicious activity by dialing 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or completing the online tip form.