By Tashi McQueen
AFRO Staff Writer
tmcqueen@afro.com
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced on May 13 that during its enforcement operation in and around Washington, D.C., from May 6-9, officers arrested 189 immigrants who entered the U.S. illegally and served notices of inspection to 187 local businesses.
Credit: Photo courtesy of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement
ICE Washington, D.C. authorities said the notices were given to ensure that D.C. businesses are in compliance with U.S. immigration and employment policies.
“The District of Columbia is exponentially safer today because of countless hours of investigative work and dedication to duty displayed by ICE Washington, D.C. and our law enforcement partners,” said Russell Hott, ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Washington, D.C. field office director. “I commend the efforts of everyone involved, as all were truly committed to the success of this operation. ICE Washington, D.C. remains dedicated to our mission of prioritizing public safety by arresting and removing criminal offenders from our nation’s capital and surrounding communities.”
During the operation, ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations and Homeland Security Investigations and partners sought out immigrants who entered the U.S. illegally with a criminal background, including members of transnational criminal organizations such as MS-13, Tren de Aragua and 18th Street gangs, which are known to operate in that area.
Christopher Heck, acting special agent in charge of ICE Homeland Security Investigations, Washington, D.C., claimed that many of the people arrested have egregious criminal histories, including violent crimes against District residents.
“Thanks to President Trump’s leadership and this administration’s focus on law and order, these arrests represent a major step forward in making Washington, D.C., safer for legal citizens and their families,” said U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin Jr. “These arrests make clear that violating our nation’s immigration laws will not be ignored.”
ICE said many of the arrests were made after local jurisdictions declined to adhere to immigration detainers and instead released the individuals back into their communities.
“The Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) is a key partner in the United States’ work to reduce illegal immigration and root out those who endeavor to exploit the U.S. travel system,” said David Richeson, special agent in charge of the DSS Washington, D.C., field office. “DSS proudly coordinates with our U.S. and international law enforcement partners to investigate transnational crimes and apprehend fugitives who violate U.S. law.”
The AFRO reached out to D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) for a comment on this matter, but she declined.