El Paso Standard

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested 44 individuals during a recent week-long operation in Laredo, Texas. The operation, which ran from April 6 to April 12, focused on illegal aliens and involved cooperation with federal partners. Among those arrested, authorities identified 24 individuals as criminal aliens, with offenses ranging from driving while intoxicated to sexual assault. One individual was linked to the Paisas gang.

Detailed charges included four convictions for driving while intoxicated and a range of other crimes such as theft, evading arrest, assault, and alien smuggling. Some suspects were charged with additional crimes like possession of marijuana and tampering with evidence.

ICE's acting Field Office Director Robert Cerna emphasized the agency's ongoing commitment to public and national security, stating, "We remain committed to our mission of keeping communities safe by locating, arresting and removing criminal aliens who pose a threat." He also noted that this operation reflects ICE's policy of not exempting categories of removable aliens from enforcement actions.

Craig Larrabee, Special Agent in Charge for ICE Homeland Security Investigations in San Antonio, acknowledged the effectiveness of a multi-agency strategy in maintaining public safety. "The success of this targeted enforcement effort highlights the value of a comprehensive, multi-agency approach to ensuring public safety," he remarked.

Following their arrests, some individuals may face further charges or removal to their home countries. In certain cases, they will remain in ICE custody until immigration proceedings conclude. ICE encourages the public to report crimes or suspicious activities through their hotline or online tip form.