ICE arrests 25 on Long Island during Operation Secure Streets

NEW YORK – Officers from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) arrested 25 during a 6-day period, ending Nov. 9 in Long Island in an enforcement effort dubbed, Operation Secure Streets.

In the course of Operation Secure Streets, ERO deportation officers apprehended 25 individuals, 24 of whom have been convicted of violations concerning the operation of a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. One individual, who was arrested for immigration violations, did not have a DUI-related conviction. Each was taken into custody and is currently being detained pending the completion of removal proceedings.
"This operation targeted those who were convicted of driving under the influence, some with children in the car, solidifying ICE’s commitment to remove public safety threats from our communities,” said Thomas R. Decker, field office director for ERO New York. "With the incredibly high number of vehicle accidents and related deaths as a result of DUIs, ICE will continue to arrest and remove these criminal aliens for the safety of our city's residents."

Among those arrested were:
A 41-year-old, previously removed Guatemalan man convicted of driving while intoxicated. He was arrested in Patchogue on Nov. 4 and will remain in ICE custody pending removal proceedings.
A 40-year-old, previously removed Brazilian man convicted of driving while intoxicated.. He was arrested in Ronkonkoma, Nov. 5 and will remain in ICE custody pending removal to Brazil.
A 31-year-old citizen of Guatemala with a prior convictions of criminal trespass in the 2nd degree and driving while ability impaired. He was arrested in Riverhead, Nov. 6 and will remain in ICE custody pending removal proceedings.
A 35-year-old previously removed Honduran man with prior conviction of assault in the 3rd degree. He was arrested in Hempstead on Nov. 7 and will remain in ICE custody pending removal to Honduras.
A 40-year-old Salvadoran national with a prior conviction of driving while intoxicated, identified as a MS-13 gang member. He was arrested in Shirley, Nov.7 and will remain in ICE custody pending removal proceedings.

Criminal histories of those arrested during the operation are as follows: aggravated DWI, Assault 2nd, criminal trespass 2nd, driving while ability impaired, and driving while intoxicated.

The arrestees include nationals from Brazil, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, and Ukraine. ERO deportation officers made arrests throughout Long Island, specifically in Nassau County: Glen Cove, Hempstead; and in Suffolk County: Amityville, Bayshore, Calverton, Central Islip, Commack, Coram, Hampton Bays, Huntington, Medford, Moriches, Patchogue, Port Jefferson, Ronkonkoma, Riverhead, Sag Harbor, Shirley, West Babylon, and Wheatley Heights.

The foreign nationals arrested will be processed administratively for removal from the United States. The arrestees 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, or pending travel arrangements for removal in the near future.

ICE deportation officers carry out targeted enforcement operations every day in locations around the country as part of the agency’s ongoing efforts to protect the nation, uphold public safety, and protect the integrity of our immigration laws and border controls. These operations involve existing, establishedFugitive Operations Teams.

During such enforcement operations ICE officers frequently encounter additional suspects who may be in the United States in violation of federal immigration laws. Those persons will be evaluated on a case by case basis and, when appropriate, arrested by ICE.