El Paso Standard

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has removed Fatbardh Lala, an Albanian national wanted for fraud and bribery in Albania. Lala was handed over to Albanian authorities at Tirana International Airport on March 6.

Lala entered the United States legally on May 10, 2023, through Chicago O’Hare airport. He was arrested by U.S. Customs and Border Protection on October 23, 2024, at the Blue Water Bridge in Port Huron after being denied entry into Canada. Authorities discovered he had an outstanding warrant in Albania.

"We found out Lala was wanted for bribery and fraud, which are serious charges, and he can now be held accountable for those crimes," said Robert Lynch, Director of ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Detroit Field Office. "ICE remains committed to removing foreign fugitives, regardless of nationality, so they can face justice in their home countries."

An immigration judge from the Justice Department’s Executive Office of Immigration Review ordered Lala's removal on January 29.

The public is encouraged to report immigration crimes or suspicious activities by contacting the ICE Tip Line at 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or by filling out an online tip form.

For more information about ICE’s mission to enhance public safety in Michigan and Ohio communities, follow them on X at @ERODetroit.