ICE - U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement

06/16/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 06/16/2026 12:44

ICE enforcement operation in Smoky Mountains leads to 117 arrests

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. - ICE New Orleans, in partnership with federal, state and local law enforcement, arrested 117 illegal aliens during a targeted enforcement operation in East Tennessee from May 24 to May 31. Officials made the criminal and administrative arrests in Sevier County and surrounding areas during the weeklong operation.

Among those arrested were criminal illegal aliens with convictions for theft, domestic assault, driving while intoxicated and attempted aggravated sexual battery. Some of those arrested may face additional criminal charges for illegal reentry into the United States.

"This enforcement operation demonstrates our commitment to protecting the safety of the community and its visitors," said Enforcement and Removal Operations New Orleans acting Field Office Director Brian Acuna. "By focusing our enforcement efforts on individuals who pose the greatest risk, and with the support of our 287(g) partners, we help ensure Tennessee communities remain safe for residents and tourists."

Some of the criminal illegal aliens arrested include the following:

  • Jose Omar Euceda-Moreno, 37, of Honduras, was arrested five times for driving under the influence. He has been convicted twice of driving under the influence, domestic assault, drug possession and probation violation.
  • Denis Ariel Cabrera Castillo, 18, of Honduras, was arrested for solicitation of a minor/rape of a child, interference with an emergency call and attempted sexual batter. He pleaded guilty to attempted aggravated sexual battery and was sentenced to six years in prison.
  • Katherine Michelle Ocampo Figueroa, 29, of Honduras, was previously removed from the United States. Her criminal history includes an aggravated assault arrest and theft conviction.
  • Gerson Alberto Dempster, 54, of Honduras, has been arrested for felony possession of cocaine, public intoxication and driving without a license.

"In partnership with ICE and other area law enforcement agencies, the Sevierville Police Department is working to create safer streets, protect families, and ensure Sevierville, Sevier County, and East Tennessee remain great places to live, work and enjoy," said Sevierville Police Deputy Chief Sam Hinson.

ICE can immediately remove illegal aliens with final orders of removal, who re-entered the U.S. after removal. Those aliens without final orders of removal will remain in ICE custody pending immigration court proceedings. All illegal aliens in ICE custody receive full due process.

ICE conducts routine daily immigration enforcement around the country to arrest criminal illegal aliens and other immigration violators with no legal basis to remain in the United States. All illegal aliens who violate U.S. immigration law are subject to arrest and detention, regardless of their criminal histories.

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

Learn more about ICE's public safety mission on X,  Facebook,  Instagram,  Threads, Bluesky and Truth Social.

ICE - U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement published this content on June 16, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on June 16, 2026 at 18:44 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]