El Paso Standard

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), in collaboration with law enforcement partners, arrested 206 individuals during a week-long operation in the New York City area focusing on egregious criminal offenders. The operation, which took place from April 6 to 12, targeted illegal aliens associated with transnational criminal organizations and those with serious criminal histories.

"New York is much safer today because of the hard work of ICE and our law enforcement partners," noted acting ICE Director Todd M. Lyons. He added that the operation focused on "the most dangerous alien offenders in some of the most crime-infested neighborhoods in and around the city of New York."

ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations, along with ICE Homeland Security Investigations, worked in conjunction with several federal agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and U.S. Marshals Service. The U.S. State Department Diplomatic Security Service and the U.S. Attorney’s Offices from the Eastern and Southern Districts of New York also participated in the operation.

"The success of this enhanced operation highlights the resolve of ICE and our federal partners in keeping our country safe from violent criminal aliens," said ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations New York City Acting Field Office Director Judith Almodovar. She expressed gratitude for the efforts of ICE officers, special agents, and federal partners in ensuring public safety.

A majority of those apprehended, 121 individuals, had criminal convictions or were facing charges for serious offenses such as murder, assault, and drug crimes. Among the apprehended were Camilo Cesar Gonzales-Encalada, Alexander Steven Jimbo-Perez, Derrick Alphonso Roberts, Luis Olmedo Quishpi-Poalasin, Edimar Alejandra Colmenares Mendoza, and several others with significant criminal backgrounds.

ICE reported that the arrests were often made after local jurisdictions did not honor immigration detainers, releasing the offenders back into communities. The operation covered not only New York City but also extended to Long Island and the Lower Hudson Valley region.

The public is encouraged to report crimes and suspicious activity to ICE through their dedicated hotline or online tip form.

Further information on ICE’s mission to enhance public safety is available on their social media platform.