ICE arrests 9 Chilean nationals linked to South American Theft Group in New Jersey

NEWARK, N.J. — ICE Newark, with Joint Organized Crime Task Force partners from FBI Newark, arrested nine Chilean nationals in Jersey City and Princeton, New Jersey, Sept. 19. The individuals are connected to South American Theft Groups operating in New Jersey.

The individuals arrested had lawfully entered the United States; however, they violated the terms of their admission by overstaying their visas. In addition, many possess extensive criminal history involving theft and related offenses across multiple states.

“We are committed to stopping transient criminal aliens who exploit our immigration system to harm American businesses and communities,” said ERO Newark acting Field Office Director Ruben Perez. “By working closely with our law enforcement partners, ICE is dismantling South American Theft Groups and ensuring those who break our laws face justice.”

South American Theft Groups are transnational criminal organizations active in numerous countries. They are known for conducting sophisticated trade craft to conduct high end residential and business burglaries, as well as other property crimes that significantly impact communities and businesses across the United States.

“FBI Newark’s Criminal Enterprise Branch and its Joint Organized Crime Task Force remains steadfast in its effort to identify and disrupt South American Theft Groups targeting New Jersey communities,” said FBI Newark Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Roddy. “ICE ERO Newark has been a critical member of our Joint Organized Crime Task Force for many years and that partnership continues to result in substantial arrests such as these. “

Examples of those arrested include:

• A Chilean national unlawfully present in the U.S. with prior arrests in Florida for petit theft, retail theft, and use of an anti-shoplifting device, as well as fraudulent credit card use in Tennessee. This criminal alien is also wanted in multiple states for similar crimes including larceny and burglary.
• An active member of a South American Theft Group previously arrested for larceny in Florida and arrested again in New Jersey for receiving stolen property.
• A criminal alien with prior arrests for petit larceny, grand theft, and DUI, who also has an outstanding warrant in Florida for failure to appear.
• A Chilean national with an outstanding warrant for burglary in Pennsylvania.
• A known associate of a South American Theft Group.

ICE is withholding the names of individuals due to an ongoing investigation.