FridayFive
week of March 15, 2024

Overview

Check out our weekly recap of top news from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement highlighting the work of Enforcement Removal and Operations (ERO) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). For more news from ICE, visit our newsroom.

'Public trust is dependent on transparency, and our ability to effectively conduct our mission is dependent on public trust ... It is an essential element in our public safety and national security mission.' -- Deputy Director and Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Director Patrick J. Lechleitner

ICE announces initial deployment of body-worn cameras

On March 13, ICE announced the initial deployment of 1,600 body-worn cameras to HSI and ERO. The deployment is consistent with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Body Worn Camera Policy and as required by the Executive Order on Advancing Effective, Accountable Policing and Criminal Justice Practices to Enhance Public Trust and Public Safety. 🔗 Keep reading

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Individuals who lack a lawful basis to stay in the United States are ordered removed, consistent with U.S. law -- all individuals who are removed have been screened for protection concerns.

ICE conducts single adult, family unit, removal flights March 15

ICE, working in close coordination across the Department of Homeland Security, including with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, continued to facilitate removal flights of single adults and family units from March 11 through March 15. Those included removal flights to Central America, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico and Peru.

Since May 12, 2023, to March 13, 2024, DHS has removed or returned over 617,000 individuals, the vast majority of whom crossed the Southwest Border, including more than 97,000 individual family members. The majority of all individuals encountered at the Southwest Border over the past three years have been removed, returned or expelled. Total removals and returns since mid-May exceed removals and returns in every full fiscal year since 2013. 🔗 Keep reading

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“The exploitation of innocent children is a global issue that requires worldwide efforts to combat.  HSI is committed to continuing our work with U.S. and international partners to identify and rescue victims while bringing to justice those criminals who exploit children.” -- HSI Executive Associate Director Katrina W. Berger

HSI, partners conduct US-based international victim identification surge

The HSI Cyber Crimes Center’s Child Exploitation Investigations Unit conducted Operation Renewed Hope II from Feb. 26 through March 8, resulting in the location and positive identification of 19 previously unknown child sexual abuse victims, including eight victims rescued from active abuse.

The operation was the second of its kind held in the United States. HSI hosted international law enforcement agencies, who worked together on hundreds of cold cases involving previously unknown victims of online child sexual exploitation and abuse. Cold cases are unsolved criminal investigations that remain open pending discovery of new evidence. 🔗 Keep reading

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'This arrest demonstrates how seriously we take our commitment to safeguarding our communities from individuals like Mohiuddin. Our officers will continue to work night and day to ensure protection and safety from those who intend to do harm.' --ERO San Francisco Field Office Director Moises Becerra

ERO San Francisco arrests at-large fugitive

On March 5, ERO arrested Syed Mohamed Tousif Mohiuddin, a 39-year-old citizen of India, who was an unlawfully present at-large noncitizen. Mohiuddin entered the United States at the Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport in Detroit, on March 9, 2010, and failed to depart under the terms of his visa.

The Fremont Police Department arrested Mohiuddin Aug. 19, 2013 for assault with a deadly weapon and vandalism. 🔗 Keep reading

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'In addition to violating our immigration laws, this unlawfully present fugitive is wanted for the rape of a minor in his home country. Such individuals present a danger to the safety of the residents in our New England communities. ERO Boston remains dedicated to apprehending, arresting and removing any such threat to our neighborhoods.' --ERO Boston Field Office Director Todd M. Lyons

ERO Boston arrests Brazilian fugitive wanted for rape of a minor

ERO Boston arrested a 40-year-old unlawfully present fugitive sought by Brazilian law enforcement authorities for the statutory rape of a minor. Deportation officers from ERO Boston apprehended him on Feb. 14 near his residence in Bridgeport, Connecticut. Initially entering the United States as a tourist in March 2022, he overstayed his visa by more than a year. 🔗 Keep reading

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U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) enforces federal laws governing border control, customs, trade and immigration to promote homeland security and public safety.

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