ERO San Francisco arrests 12 during nationwide operation targeting noncitizens convicted of multiple DUIs
Several crimes resulted in bodily injury, death, other felony convictions and property damage
SAN FRANCISCO — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) officers apprehended 12 unlawfully present noncitizens residing in Northern California with multiple DUI convictions during a nationwide law enforcement effort.
Dubbed “Operation Secure Streets,” the fugitive operations initiative took place in the San Francisco area from Aug. 22 through Sept. 28 and targeted unlawfully present noncitizens who have previously been convicted of DUIs with certain aggravating factors or criminal histories, to include assault, cruelty toward children, weapons violations, domestic violence, fraud, homicide by vehicle, hit-and-run and larceny.
During the operation, ERO San Francisco officers prioritized targets that presented the most significant threat to the public safety.
Among those arrested:
- A 46-year-old previously removed Mexican national convicted of one count of felony driving under the influence causing great bodily injury. The individual was apprehended in Porterville and remains in ICE custody pending removal to Mexico.
- A 40-year-old Honduran national convicted of felony DUI with priors. The individual was apprehended in San Jose and will remain in ICE custody pending removal to Honduras.
- A 52-year-old previously removed Mexican national arrested twice for driving under the influence, one of the crimes being a felony. The individual was apprehended in Madera and is currently in ICE custody pending removal to Mexico.
- A 34-year-old Mexican national convicted of misdemeanor DUI, felony unauthorized possession of a controlled substance, felony unlawful intercourse with a minor under 18 years of age, and intentionally, knowingly violated a court order to prevent domestic violence. The individual remains in ICE custody pending removal proceedings.
“By conducting a targeted public safety-focused immigration enforcement operation like this, we are able to focus on those unlawfully present individuals who present a threat to the public. ERO San Francisco continues to focus our resources on those individuals who negatively impact the safety of our communities.” said Moises Becerra, ERO San Francisco field office director.
Regardless of nationality, ICE makes custody determinations on a case-by-case basis, in accordance with U.S. law and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) policy, considering the individual merits and factors of each case. ICE officers make case decisions in a professional and responsible manner, informed by their experience as law enforcement officials and in a way that best protects against the greatest threats to the homeland, applying prosecutorial discretion when making such decisions as do law enforcement officers in different agencies and offices throughout the nation.
In fiscal year (FY) 2021, ERO conducted 74,082 administrative arrests of noncitizens, which included 12,025 individuals with aggravated felony convictions. Offenses associated with noncitizens arrested in FY 2021 included 1,506 homicide related offenses, 3,415 sexual assaults, 19,549 assaults, 2,717 robberies, and 1,063 kidnappings.
Members of the public can report crimes and/or suspicious activity by calling 1-866-347-2423 or completing the online tip form.
Learn more about the immigration enforcement efforts of the ERO San Francisco Field Office on Twitter @EROSanFrancisco.
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