ICE San Antonio announces 275 illegal alien arrests during joint operation

SAN ANTONIO — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested 275 illegal aliens, including 178 criminal aliens, during a seven-day operation focused on increasing public safety May 11-17.

“Criminal aliens have taken advantage of our immigration laws for long enough. We will continue to prioritize public safety,” said ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations San Antonio acting Field Office Director Sylvester M. Ortega. “Our mission to protect the American people is stronger than ever thanks to the hard work and dedication of ICE personnel out every day locating, arresting and removing criminal aliens illegally present in our country.”

Included among the criminal aliens arrested during the operation are the following:

• A 34-year-old, twice-deported criminal alien from Mexico, arrested May 14 who has been convicted of felony — illegal reentry, and is facing charges for a second criminal charge for illegal reentry into the U.S. after deportation.
• A 37-year-old criminal alien from Cuba, arrested May 15 who has been convicted of manufacturing and distributing heroin/methamphetamines and selling marijuana. This alien has also been arrested for forgery and drug possession.
• A 49-year-old, twice-deported criminal alien from Mexico arrested May 15 who has been convicted of assault and battery, illegal reentry into the U.S., and disturbing the peace.
• A 57-year-old alien from Costa Rica arrested May 16 who is wanted by Costa Rican authorities for fraud.

Criminal aliens arrested during this operation also had charges that included domestic violence, cocaine possession, larceny, driving under the influence, drug trafficking, weapon offenses, and assault.

Numerous law enforcement agencies assisted ICE during the operation, including the Texas Department of Public Safety, Drug Enforcement Administration, Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives, Federal Bureau of Investigations, U.S. Border Patrol and the U.S. Marshals Service.

“These joint operations show the public what can be done when agencies work together toward a common goal of public safety,” added Ortega.

Members of the public can report crime and suspicious activity by calling 866-347-2423 or completing the online tip form. Follow us on X at @EROSanAntonio to learn more about ERO’s missions and operations.