ICE arrests 21 convicted criminals in ongoing targeting of felons, public safety threats

WASHINGTON – U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers arrested 21 previously convicted criminal aliens in an enforcement action targeting at-large criminal aliens and individuals who pose a threat to public safety. Officers from ICE's Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) field office in Washington, D.C. made the arrests throughout Virginia from Sept. 20 to 24. Criminal convictions in the group include felony drug charges, driving under the influence, prescription fraud and weapons crimes.

Individuals arrested during this operation include:

• A Mexican national, convicted of felony possession of cocaine, was arrested at his residence in Martinsville, Va.
• A Polish national, convicted of felony prescription fraud, was arrested at his residence in Virginia Beach, Va.
• A Philippine national, convicted of unlawful possession of a handgun, was arrested at his residence in Virginia Beach, Va.

Since Oct. 1, 2009, ERO has removed more than 1,150 foreign fugitives from the United States who were sought in their native countries for serious crimes, including kidnapping, rape and murder. Members of the public who have information about foreign fugitives are urged to contact ICE by calling the toll-free ICE tip line at 1-866-347-2423 or internationally at 001-1802-872-6199. They can also file a tip online by completing ICE's online tip form.

ERO coordinates the removal of criminals, foreign fugitives and others ordered deported. Last year alone, ERO removed 315,943 individuals from the United States. ICE is focused on smart and effective immigration enforcement that prioritizes its resources based on those who pose the biggest threat to national security, border security and public safety. ICE's civil enforcement efforts are based on priorities set by the Secretary of Homeland Security in November 2014.