El Paso Standard

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), in collaboration with various law enforcement agencies, has arrested 214 individuals identified as illegal aliens during a targeted operation aimed at transnational organized crime and gang activity in Northern Virginia. The operation took place from March 1 to March 13.

Russ Hott, the Field Office Director for ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations in Washington, D.C., stated, "Our communities in Virginia are safer today because our law enforcement officers stood between them and the danger. During this enforcement operation, ICE and our law enforcement partners targeted the most dangerous alien offenders in some of the most gang-infested neighborhoods in Northern Virginia, and this resulted in 214 arrests."

The focus of the operation was on transnational criminal organizations known to operate within the Northern Virginia suburbs of Washington, D.C., including MS-13 and 18th Street gangs.

Christopher Heck, acting Special Agent in Charge for ICE Homeland Security Investigations Washington, D.C., commented on the success of the operation: "The agents and officers involved in this enhanced operation truly made a difference in the Northern Virginia communities. The apprehension of 214 alien offenders is impressive and was only made possible through strong partnerships."

Hott emphasized the collaborative effort behind the operation: "The level of support ICE received from our partner law enforcement organizations was inspiring. In the spirit of illicit gang activity, we are making gang members an offer they can’t refuse; leave the United States now. If you don’t, we will find you, and there will be consequences."

Notable arrests included a Salvadoran member of MS-13 convicted for malicious wounding and larceny; another Salvadoran member previously removed who had convictions for carrying a concealed weapon among other charges; a Jamaican individual convicted for second-degree murder; a Mexican national convicted for indecent liberties with a minor; and a Honduran individual convicted for object sexual penetration.

Participating agencies included U.S. Attorney’s Offices for both Eastern and Western Districts of Virginia, FBI, U.S. Marshals Service, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), as well as state-level offices such as Virginia State Police.

Members of the public are encouraged to report crimes or suspicious activities by contacting ICE through their hotline or online tip form.