Newark, NJ — A Colombian national convicted of felony grand larceny in Virginia and identified as part of a South American theft group was arrested April 16 and is now in ICE custody awaiting removal, federal officials said.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Newark identified the woman as Diana Carolina Bustos-Perez, noting she had already received a final order of removal in 2024 prior to her arrest.
Prior conviction and removal order drove arrest
According to ERO Newark, Bustos-Perez was previously convicted of felony grand larceny in Virginia, though the agency did not provide details about the case, including when the conviction occurred or the sentence imposed.
ICE also described her as a confirmed member of a South American Theft Group, a term law enforcement uses to refer to organized crews accused of committing coordinated property crimes across multiple jurisdictions.
Officials said Bustos-Perez had been ordered removed from the United States in 2024 before her arrest last week.
Organized retail and property crime concerns
Law enforcement agencies across the U.S. have increasingly flagged South American Theft Groups in connection with organized retail theft and burglary operations, though ICE did not link Bustos-Perez to specific incidents beyond her Virginia conviction.
The agency did not say where the April 16 arrest took place within the Newark field office’s jurisdiction or whether additional agencies assisted.
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Key Points
• ICE Newark arrested a Colombian national with a 2024 removal order on April 16
• She was previously convicted of felony grand larceny in Virginia
• ICE identified her as a member of a South American Theft Group
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Custody status and next steps
ICE confirmed that Bustos-Perez remains in custody pending removal from the United States. The agency did not provide a timeline for deportation or indicate whether additional charges are expected.
No further details about her immigration history or length of time in the U.S. were included in the announcement.
Ongoing enforcement efforts
The arrest is part of ICE’s broader enforcement operations targeting individuals with prior criminal convictions and active removal orders, particularly those identified as part of organized criminal groups.
Officials have not released additional updates about Bustos-Perez’s case or her current detention status beyond confirming she remains in ICE custody as removal proceedings continue.
