BUFFALO, N.Y. – Federal immigration officers have arrested a 40-year-old Ukrainian national wanted in her home country for major drug trafficking offenses after she allegedly attempted to exploit U.S. immigration policies to avoid prosecution abroad.
According to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Buffalo, Anhelina Polishchuk was taken into custody on November 20 during a targeted operation by ICE’s Fugitive Operations Team. She was described by authorities as armed, dangerous, and an escape risk.
Polishchuk is wanted in Ukraine for crimes including the illegal production, transportation, and possession of narcotics. She is the subject of an INTERPOL Red Notice, an international alert used to locate and provisionally arrest fugitives pending extradition.
ICE says suspect entered U.S. under parole program
Investigators said Polishchuk arrived at John F. Kennedy International Airport on June 16, 2023, under a temporary parole program designed to assist Ukrainians fleeing the war. Federal officials allege she attempted to use that humanitarian entry to evade criminal charges in Europe.
“Foreign criminals will not exploit our immigration laws to escape justice in their home countries,” said Tammy Marich, acting Field Office Director for ICE Buffalo Enforcement and Removal Operations. “Our officers are committed to protecting the public by ensuring criminals are not allowed to freely roam the streets of New York.”
ICE coordinating with international partners
ICE said the arrest was made in coordination with INTERPOL and Ukrainian law enforcement authorities. The agency is now working with the Department of Justice and U.S. State Department on extradition proceedings.
Officials said the arrest underscores ongoing federal efforts to identify and remove foreign nationals wanted for serious crimes abroad.
Anhelina Polishchuk, a Ukrainian fugitive wanted for large-scale drug trafficking, was arrested in Buffalo after allegedly entering the U.S. under a parole program meant for war refugees, ICE officials said.