New jersey migrant with extensive criminal history deported ice

NEWARK, N.J. – U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested Richard Alfanso Smith, a 48-year-old Jamaican national with a lengthy criminal record, during a routine enforcement operation in Basking Ridge on Feb. 19, officials announced.

Smith, who was subject to a final order of removal, attempted to evade arrest but was taken into custody with the help of law enforcement partners. He remains in ICE custody pending deportation.

“In a collaborated effort, ICE arrested Richard Alfanso Smith, a citizen of Jamaica who has more than 15 criminal arrests with his convictions,” said ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Newark Field Office Director John Tsoukaris. “His extensive track record of arrests, convictions and imprisonments is not compliant with our nation’s immigration laws.”

Smith’s criminal history spans nearly three decades, including convictions for assault, burglary, drug distribution, resisting arrest, and weapons possession. He has served multiple prison sentences, the longest being six years for aggravated assault and unlawful possession of a weapon in 2006.

ICE urges the public to report crimes and suspicious activity by calling 866-DHS-2-ICE or submitting an online tip.

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