ICE New York City arrests Venezuelan alien, member of South American theft group
Local officials in Virginia fail to honor detainer after alien was arrested for grand larceny and contributing to the delinquency of a child
NEW YORK — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement New York City and its federal partners arrested Venezuelan national Edison Guillermo Pinto-Padron, a 26-year-old criminal alien and member of a transnational organized criminal enterprise known as a South American theft group May 14.
“ICE places a high priority on identifying, arresting and removing transnational criminal gang members from the United States,” said ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations New York City acting Field Office Director Bryan Flanagan. “ICE always stands ready to work with our law enforcement partners without condition. However, when officials refuse to honor detainers based on personal beliefs rather than public safety considerations, they are making conscious decisions to put their communities at risk.”
On July 26, 2023, the U.S. Border Patrol encountered and arrested Pinto near El Paso, Texas, after he illegally entered the United States. Border Patrol officials issued him a notice to appear and released him into the U.S. on an order of recognizance.
The Leesburg Police Department in Virginia arrested Pinto, Sept. 1, 2024, for the offenses of grand larceny, possession of burglarious tool, and contribute to the delinquency of a child. ICE lodged an immigration detainer against Pinto’s release with the Loudoun County Jail the next day. However, the agency failed to honor the detainer when they released Pinto without notifying ICE. ICE New York city subsequently learned Pinto was a member of a South American theft group. The Loudoun County Circuit Court convicted Pinto for grand larceny Dec. 12, 2024, and sentenced him to a two-year suspended sentence and two years of probation.
ICE New York City arrested Pinto May 14 in Manhattan, pursuant to a warrant of arrest. Pinto is detained in ICE custody, without bond, pending his removal proceedings.
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