U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), in collaboration with law enforcement partners, recently concluded a four-day immigration enforcement operation in Washington, D.C., resulting in the arrest of 189 individuals identified as illegal aliens. The operation, which took place from May 6 to May 9, also involved serving notices of inspection to 187 local businesses.
“The District of Columbia is exponentially safer today because of countless hours of investigative work and dedication to duty displayed by ICE Washington, D.C. and our law enforcement partners,” stated Russell Hott, Field Office Director for ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations in Washington, D.C. He highlighted the operation’s focus on “the most dangerous alien offenders” in crime-prone neighborhoods.
The operation included cooperation between ICE’s ERO and Homeland Security Investigations directorates alongside other agencies such as the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, Virginia Department of Corrections, FBI, ATF, DEA, U.S. Marshals Service, and the Diplomatic Security Service. The targets were members of transnational criminal organizations like MS-13, Tren de Aragua, and 18th Street gangs.
Christopher Heck from ICE Homeland Security Investigations praised the success of the operation: “Many of the aliens arrested have egregious criminal histories to include violent crimes against residents.” He expressed gratitude for “the professionalism and dedication” shown by special agents and their partners.
Additionally, U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin Jr. attributed these results to leadership focused on law enforcement: “Thanks to President Trump’s leadership…these arrests represent a major step forward.”
David Richeson from the Diplomatic Security Service noted their role in combating illegal immigration: “DSS proudly coordinates with our U.S. and international law enforcement partners.”
Among those arrested were individuals with extensive criminal histories involving charges ranging from drug possession to assault with a dangerous weapon.
The public is encouraged to report crimes or suspicious activities through provided contact methods.
Learn more about ICE’s initiatives on X at @EROWashington.
