235 arrested in 4 state ICE operation targeting convicted criminals

A six day enforcement action by officers with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) targeting potentially deportable criminals, such as convicted sex offenders and drug traffickers, resulted in 235 arrests across four states, including 34 in Idaho.

All of the foreign nationals taken into custody by ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations officers in Idaho during last week’s enforcement action had prior criminal convictions. Some had criminal histories that included convictions for serious or violent offenses, such as child sex crimes and drug violations. The remaining arrestees had past convictions for significant or multiple misdemeanors, including driving under the influence and larceny.

The Idaho arrestees included foreign nationals from five countries: Mexico (29); Guatemala (2); the Philippines (1); Peru (1); and El Salvador (1).

Those arrested during last week’s enforcement action are being processed administratively for removal from the United States. Those who have outstanding orders of removal, or who returned to the United States illegally after being deported, are subject to immediate removal from the country. The remaining individuals will remain ICE custody awaiting a hearing before an immigration judge, or pending travel arrangements for removal in the near future.