Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Conducts Successful Operation
46,496 Illegal Immigrants Arrested with Criminal Convictions in FY 22
In a recent operation conducted by the Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) in Los Angeles, several child sex predators were arrested. Among those taken into custody were a 40-year-old Mexican with a previous conviction for felony lewd acts with a child, a 35-year-old Guatemalan convicted of felony child molestation, and a 19-year-old Salvadoran convicted of felony sexual forcible oral copulation of a minor over 14 and battery by restraint.
Field Office Director Thomas Giles expressed his satisfaction with the outcome of the operation, stating, “The professionalism, dedication, and commitment of ERO Los Angeles officers to public safety exemplify the mission of our agency. We will continue to enforce the immigration laws of our nation by removing these individuals and the threats they represent from our communities.”
The ERO highlighted its success in arresting 46,496 illegal immigrants with criminal convictions in FY 22, including 8,164 for sex and sexual assault offenses. However, the numbers for FY 23 have not yet been released.
Biden Administration Narrows ICE Enforcement
New Priorities Focus on National Security Threats
Under the Biden administration, ICE enforcement has undergone significant narrowing. Agents are now primarily tasked with apprehending illegal immigrants who pose a risk to public safety or national security, as well as recent border crossers. The administration claims that this shift in priorities allows them to focus limited resources on the biggest threats to national security and public safety.
However, concerns have been raised about the administration’s approach, particularly regarding the release of criminal illegal aliens. ICE agents often face obstacles in carrying out their duties due to “sanctuary” jurisdictions, which impose limitations or outright prohibit local law enforcement cooperation with ICE.
ICE Assists CBP at the Southern Border
Deployment of ERO Personnel to Address Border Crisis
In response to the ongoing crisis at the southern border, ICE is sending resources, including ERO personnel, to aid Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Fox reports that ERO will provide 141 personnel to assist CBP with various border operations, such as addressing medical and transport issues, enrolling illegal immigrants into alternatives to detention (ATD) electronic monitoring programs, and coordinating removals and necessary travel documents.
Currently, ICE has 132 agents stationed at the border, with plans to increase that number to 197 as part of a memorandum of understanding. These special agents will be assigned duties that include hospital watch, transportation, law enforcement searches, security, and welfare checks.
It is worth noting that ICE is a smaller agency compared to CBP, so the significant deployment of staff to the border may have implications for ongoing operations.
