ICE operation yields arrest of 98 criminal aliens, immigration violators

During a 10-day enforcement operation this month, officers with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) reported the arrest of 98 criminal aliens and immigration violators in North Texas and Oklahoma.

Sixty-seven of those arrested had criminal histories with convictions that ranged from traffic violations and trespassing to smuggling and homicide. ICE reported that 82 of individuals detained came from Mexico, seven were from El Salvador, six were from Honduras, and one each from the Marshall Islands, Pakistan, and Peru.

“By removing criminal aliens from the streets during this North Texas and Oklahoma operation, our ICE officers provide a valuable community service by enhancing public safety,” Marc Moore, field office director of ERO Dallas, said. “These ongoing daily operations also help maintain the integrity of our immigration laws.”

Of those arrested, 29 were repeat offenders for illegal entry following deportation, which is a felony, and could face time in federal prison for the recent violation. An additional five of those caught are documented gang members.

All arrested in the operation are subject to removal under the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act.