ICE operation nets 18 arrests in southeastern Va., including convicted sexual offender
"Our ultimate goal is to protect the national security of the country, and we do so by targeting foreign nationals who are threats to the public," said Yvonne Evans, field office director for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Washington, D.C.
On July 25, deportation officers conducting a targeted law enforcement action in and around Chesapeake, Virginia, encountered one of the worst kinds of criminals, an aggravated felon, who had already been removed from the United States.
This alien, a citizen and national of Mexico, was arrested by local law enforcement in Northampton County, Pennsylvania, in November 2009. He was convicted of sexual assault charges against a minor in May 2010 and served just more than two years in Pennsylvania state prison.
Upon his release from prison in May 2012, he was immediately transferred to the custody of ERO. Within just a few days, ERO facilitated the removal of this national back to his home country of Mexico. He later re-entered the United States after being removed.
"When foreign nationals completely disregard immigration law, it's our job to investigate their whereabouts, locate, and arrest them," said Evans.
That's what happened July 25. Deportation officers found this sexual offender at his residence in Chesapeake, and once again, took him back into custody where he will remain until he is processed for removal from the United States.
"Let this case serve as a warning to other convicted criminal aliens living in the U.S. Deportation officers are here to protect this nation's security and to maintain the integrity of the immigration system. You will not be permitted to reside here," said Evans.
Last week's operation took place from July 24 through 28, netting 18 arrests throughout the Hampton Roads area of Virginia. Sixteen of the individuals arrested were convicted criminal aliens, with convictions ranging from driving under the influence to larceny and assault. The other two were immigration enforcement priorities as outlined by Department of Homeland Security Secretary Johnson.