84 arrested in ICE NW immigration crackdown
A previously deported Mexican national charged with child rape, recently released by local authorities despite an immigration detainer, is among the 84 foreign nationals arrested during a three-day operation conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Alaska, Oregon and Washington targeting at-large criminal aliens, illegal re-entrants and immigration fugitives.
Of those arrested during the enforcement action, which ended Monday , 60 had criminal histories, including prior convictions for sex crimes, drug offenses and domestic violence.
In addition to the pending child rape charge, the Mexican national referenced above had prior convictions for assault, domestic violence, and immoral communications with a minor.
(Regarding the detainer, The Associated Press noted that many jurisdictions in the Northwest do not honor such requests after a federal court said it’s unconstitutional to detain people without a warrant after they would have otherwise been released.).
Others taken into custody during the operation included:
· A Russian national felon arrested in Portland whose criminal record includes a prior conviction for possession of methamphetamine; and
· A previously deported Mexican national with prior convictions for domestic violence and assault.
CRIMINAL CONVICTIONS*
Driving under the influence
19
Weapon offense
1
Assault
7
Stolen property
1
Larceny
4
Dangerous drugs
1
Domestic violence
3
Lewd or lascivious acts with minor
1
Sex Assault
2
Damage property
1
Larceny from building
2
Drug trafficking
1
Cocaine possession
2
Sex assault carnal abuse
1
Possession of weapon
2
Marijuana possession
1
Amphetamine possession
2
Illegal entry
1
Fraud
1
Traffic offense other
1
Violation of a court order
1
Cocaine sell
1
Heroin possession
1
Meth possession
1
Indecent liberty with a minor
1
Forgery
1
*Note: criminal aliens with multiple prior convictions are categorized based on their most serious conviction.
The operation, conducted by ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO), targeted criminal aliens who pose a public safety threat and individuals who have violated our nation’s immigration laws, including those who re-entered the country after being deported and immigration fugitives ordered deported by federal immigration judges
Some of the individuals arrested during the enforcement action will be presented for federal prosecution for re-entry after deportation, a felony punishable by up to 20 years in prison. Those not being criminally prosecuted will be processed for removal from the country. Individuals who have outstanding orders of deportation, or who returned to the United States illegally after being deported, are subject to immediate removal from the country.
“This operation highlights our commitment to promoting public safety through the pursuit of targeted criminals residing in the U.S. illegally,” said Bryan Wilcox, acting field office director for Seattle ERO. “Our officers will continue in their efforts to create safer communities by identifying and removing those not willing to comply with U.S. laws.”
Last week’s arrestees (77 men and 7 women) included nationals from 12 countries – Mexico (64); Guatemala (8); Honduras (2); El Salvador (1); United Kingdom (1); Cambodia (1); Brazil (1); Laos (1); Philippines (2); Western Samoa (1); Myanmar (1); and Russia (1).
King County accounted for the largest number of arrests during the operation, but ERO personnel conducted enforcement actions in a total of 20 communities.
COUNTY ARREST TOTALS
King
19
Lincoln
3
Washington
13
Thurston
2
Snohomish
9
Grant
2
Multnomah
7
Whatcom
2
Lane
4
Chelan
2
Anchorage
4
Mason
1
Adams
3
Clatsop
1
Benton
3
Umatilla
1
Cowlitz
3
Wasco
1
Clark
3
Deschutes
1
(An ICE spokeswoman in Seattle said she could provide no details about the Deschutes County arrest unless a name was provided.)
ICE deportation officers carry out targeted enforcement operations every day in locations around the country as part of the agency’s ongoing efforts to protect the nation, uphold public safety, and protect the integrity of our immigration laws and border controls. These operations involve existing, established Fugitive Operations Teams .
During such enforcement operations ICE officers frequently encounter additional suspects who may be in the United States in violation of federal immigration laws. Those persons will be evaluated on a case by case basis and, when appropriate, arrested by ICE.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is the largest investigative arm of the Department of Homeland Security. ICE is a 21st century law enforcement agency with broad responsibilities for a number of key homeland security priorities. For more information, visit: www.ICE.gov. To report suspicious activity, call 1-866-347-2423.
