60 Busted In Big Statewide ICE Sweep In NJ

Sixty people throughout New Jersey were arrested during a 5-day sweep conducted by ICE.

The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) says it focused on individuals who are in the U.S. illegally, and allegedy have been convicted of serious criminal activity such as sexual assault, child abuse, domestic violence, and driving under the influence (DUI). ICE called the sweep a "public safety operation."

Of those arrested, 80 percent were convicted criminals, more than 20 had been issued a final order of removal and failed to depart the United States, or had been previously removed from the United States and returned illegally, according to a news release from ICE.

Several had prior felony convictions for serious or violent offenses, such as aggravated assault, child abuse, child sex crimes, and assault, or had past convictions for significant or multiple misdemeanors, according to the news release.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the U.S. Marshals Service assisted ICE during this operation, according to the news release.

“The success of this operation is a direct result of the full commitment of the dedicated men and women of ICE.” said John Tsoukaris, field office director for ERO Newark. “We will continue to devote the full efforts of our agency to protecting citizens and enforcing federal immigration law despite challenges being pursued by politically motivated individuals.”

The names of the people were not provided. Those arrested include:

• In Passaic, a 24 year-old Mexican national, who has convictions of aggravated assault with bodily injury and domestic violence assault;
• In Edgewater, a 32 year-old, Colombian national, who has convictions of domestic violence/aggravated assault, contempt – violate domestic violence restraining order, and possession of controlled dangerous substance;
• In South Bound Brook, a 47 year-old previously removed Honduran national, who has convictions of felony forgery and hindering apprehension;
• In Rockaway, a 38 year-old Jamaican national, who has convictions of child abuse and domestic violence assault;
• In East Orange, a 51 year-old previously removed Guatemalan national, who has convictions of distribution of controlled substance and multiple domestic violence assaults;
• In Lodi, a 54 year-old Italian national, and registered sexual offender, who has convictions of sexual assault of a minor, aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, burglary and resisting arrest by force;
• In West Long Branch, a 32 year-old El Salvadorian national with a warrant of removal, who has convictions of evading law enforcement officer causing serious bodily injury and pending charges of possession of marijuana;

Criminal histories of those arrested during the operation include: DUI, domestic violence assault and abuse, child abuse, distribution of a controlled dangerous substance, sexual assault on a minor, harassment, burglary, possession of a weapon, aggravated assault, shoplifting, theft, forgery, larceny, eluding and illegal entry, according to the release.

Those arrested also include nationals from Brazil, China, Colombia, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Italy, Jamaica, Mexico, Peru, and Ukraine.

ERO deportation officers made arrests throughout New Jersey, specifically in the counties of:

• Bergen
• Burlington
• Camden
• Cumberland
• Essex
• Hudson
• Mercer
• Middlesex
• Monmouth
• Morris
• Ocean
• Passaic
• Somerset
• Union.

ICE focuses its enforcement resources on individuals who pose a threat to national security, public safety and border security. However, ICE no longer exempts classes or categories of removable aliens from potential enforcement, according to the release.

All othose in violation of immigration laws may be subject to immigration arrest, detention and, if found removable by final order, removal from the United States, according to the release.

Some of the individuals arrested during this operation may face federal criminal prosecution for illegal re-entry after deportation. Those arrested who are not being federally prosecuted will be processed administratively for removal from the United States.

Those who have outstanding orders of deportation, or who returned to the United States illegally after being deported, are subject to immediate removal from the country. The remaining individuals are in ICE custody awaiting a hearing before an immigration judge, according to the release.

Despite "politically driven challenges" that certain local jurisdictions have created, ICE says it remains committed to its public safety mission and will continue to seek out dangerous criminal aliens and other immigration violators, according to the release. ICE seeks cooperation with all local law enforcement and elected officials when carrying out the enforcement of federal immigration law.

ICE photo