Texas, New York, Florida, California, Rhode Island residents among those arrested in 275 non-citizen offender sweep

WASHINGTON – U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations officers apprehended 275 unlawfully present non-citizen sex offenders during a nation-wide law enforcement effort that ran from February 5-16, 2024.

“ICE is committed to protecting America through the arrest and removal of those who undermine public safety and disregard our laws,” said ICE Deputy Director and Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Director Patrick J. Lechleitner. “Thanks to the around-the-clock efforts of our ERO officers, our communities are safe from 275 individuals who have demonstrated their willingness to commit sex crimes against innocent people, including children.”

Today’s announcement follows a nation-wide enforcement effort in January where 171 individuals presenting a threat to public safety were arrested. By utilizing an intelligence-driven enforcement model, ERO makes efficient use of limited resources to promote public safety in communities across the United States.

Those arrested include:

• A 26-year-old citizen of El Salvador in Houston, Texas, convicted of felony aggravated sexual assault with a firearm.
• A 44-year-old citizen of Mexico in the Bronx, New York, convicted of felony attempted sexual abuse 1st degree: person incapable of consent/physically helpless.
• A 44-year-old citizen of Cuba in Tampa, Florida, convicted of felony traveling to meet a minor after using computer services or devices to solicit certain illegal acts and unlawful use of two-way communications device.
• A 71-year-old citizen of Mexico in Pittsburg, California, convicted of felony continuous sexual abuse of a child. 
• A 58-year-old citizen of El Salvador in Gaithersburg, Maryland, convicted of felony sodomy first degree and felony sex abuse first degree. 
• A 25-year-old citizen of Mexico in Denver, Colorado, convicted of felony child prostitution – soliciting. 
• A 34-year-old citizen of El Salvador in Memphis, Tennessee, convicted of felony sexual exploitation of minor – exhibition of minor. 
• A 45-year-old citizen of Nigeria in Providence, Rhode Island, convicted of felony indecent solicitation of a child. 

ICE focuses on the arrest of noncitizens who have committed crimes and other individuals who have violated our nation’s immigration laws. ICE officers, informed by their experience and training, use their inherent discretion as law enforcement officials to focus enforcement resources on those who pose a threat to national security, public safety, or border security. These efforts include noncitizens with final orders of removal. Cases amenable to federal criminal prosecution may be presented to the appropriate U.S. attorney’s office.