ICE New Jersey recognizes local law enforcement for continued support
NEWARK, N.J. — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Newark recognized its local partners at correctional facilities in Monmouth and Hudson counties for their ongoing efforts to help identify individuals detained on serious criminal charges who fall under the ICE priorities.
Under the 287(g) program, state and local law enforcement officers may be cross-trained as designated immigration officers in a correctional setting to act as a force multiplier, allowing ICE officers to engage in other enforcement operations in support of national security, public safety and border security.
“Partnerships such as the one with Monmouth and Hudson counties provide direct positive contributions to community safety. I would like to thank Sheriff Golden and Director Nalls-Castillo for their continued commitment to this effort,” said Newark ERO Field Office Director John Tsoukaris.
Both counties have trained designated immigration officers who work to assist ICE by vetting the individuals at the jails and initiating removal proceedings for criminal aliens who fall within the ICE priorities. Working together and pooling resources is one of the most effective ways law enforcement agencies can accomplish their respective public safety goals.
“Any collaborative program among law enforcement partners that promotes public safety and community security is worthy of commitment,” said Sheriff Shaun Golden. “It’s of great importance to keep all criminals incarcerated, since protecting the residents of Monmouth County is a top priority.”
During a recent annual public steering committee meeting, ERO managers, along with the correctional facility managers, addressed community groups and provided information about the program. They also shared examples of dangerous individuals who were identified by the 287(g) program. These individuals will have an immigration hearing and be placed in ICE detention upon completion of their criminal proceedings or their release from county custody; instead of being released back into the community. Ultimately, it is ICE’s mission to effect the removal of these priority aliens from the United States.
Below are a few examples of such cases over the past year:
Monmouth County
A Mexican national determined to be unlawfully present in the United States was arrested by the Lake Como Police and charged with, aggravated sexual assault of a minor under the age of 13 and endangering the welfare of a child.
A Salvadoran national determined to be unlawfully present in the United States was arrested by the Asbury Park Police and charged with murder and weapons possession. The individual was an ICE fugitive who had been ordered removed from the United States in 2008 by an immigration judge.
Hudson County
A Guatemalan national determined to be unlawfully present in the United States arrested by the Hudson County Prosecutor's Office and charged with sexual assault by contact, endangering the welfare of a child and child abuse. The individual is currently in ICE custody pending removal proceedings.
A Mexican national determined to be unlawfully present in the United States arrested by the West New York Police Department and charged with domestic violence-simple assault violations. The individual was an ICE fugitive, who had been ordered removed from the United States in 2013 by an immigration judge. The individual has past criminal convictions for endangering the welfare of a child. Upon her release from county custody, she was removed from the United States in August 2015.
A Honduran national determined to be unlawfully present in the United States arrested by the Jersey City Police Department and charged with Aggravated Sexual Assault. The individual was an ICE fugitive who had been ordered removed from the United States in 2013 by an immigration judge.
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