El Paso Standard

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), in collaboration with the FBI, U.S. Marshals Service, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, conducted a targeted enforcement operation in Charlotte from March 1 to 8. The operation resulted in the arrest of 24 illegal aliens.

The charges against those arrested included 13 aggravated felonies or other violent offenses, three illegal firearms or weapons offenses, two cases of MS-13 gang member affiliation, one assault on a federal officer, five property crimes, and 11 DWI charges.

Among these individuals, six had active immigration detainers that were not honored by the Charlotte Mecklenburg Sheriff's Office. Additionally, there are 18 more targeted aliens still at large with unhonored detainers. ICE has been unable to locate these individuals who remain at large and may pose a threat to the community. According to ICE officials, "These aliens could have been safely and efficiently transferred into ICE custody if their detainers had been honored."

ICE emphasizes its commitment to "smart, effective immigration enforcement that protects the U.S. homeland through the arrest and removal of those individuals who compromise the safety of our communities and the integrity of our immigration laws." Entering the United States without authorization is a violation of federal law which may lead to administrative arrest or criminal prosecution.

The public is encouraged to report crimes and suspicious activities by calling 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or completing an online tip form.

For more information about ICE’s mission to enhance public safety in communities: follow @EROAtlanta on X.