BUFFALO, NY — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and federal partners arrested 133 illegal alien offenders across western, central, and northern New York in a week-long enforcement operation that targeted criminal aliens and other immigration violators, the agency announced Wednesday.
Key Points
- ICE arrested 133 illegal alien offenders from March 24–28 across western, central, and northern New York.
- Among those arrested were individuals convicted of murder, child sex crimes, manslaughter, and drug trafficking.
- The operation included four federal criminal search warrants and 18 administrative arrests.
Murderers, sex offenders among those detained
ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Buffalo led the enhanced targeted operation from March 24 through March 28, with arrests concentrated in the Buffalo and Rochester areas, as well as Syracuse, Albany, Rouses Point, and Massena. Of the total arrests, 20 individuals had prior criminal convictions or charges, including three convicted murderers.
“ICE continues to carry out its mission in a way that best serves national security, public safety and border security,” said ERO Buffalo Acting Deputy Field Office Director Philip Rhoney. The initiative was supported by multiple federal agencies including the FBI, DEA, ATF, U.S. Border Patrol, and the U.S. Marshals Service.
Notable arrests included a 49-year-old from Trinidad and Tobago convicted of murder, a 66-year-old Dominican national convicted of sexual conduct with a child, and a 32-year-old Salvadoran with murder and gang assault convictions.
Worksite enforcement and additional actions
In addition to field arrests, ICE conducted a worksite enforcement component during which four federal search warrants were executed. These actions targeted individuals suspected of harboring and employing illegal aliens. Multiple bookings and record seizures were made, and 18 administrative arrests followed.
A 70-year-old Dominican national with convictions for manslaughter and narcotics distribution, a 50-year-old Chinese national convicted of assault, and a 43-year-old H-2A visa holder from South Africa charged with child pornography offenses were among those taken into custody.
Homeland Security Investigations Buffalo Special Agent in Charge Erin Keegan said the operation highlighted the effectiveness of interagency collaboration: “Standing side-by-side with our partners, ICE HSI will utilize every tool at our disposal to ensure the safety and security of New Yorkers.”
ICE said the enforcement effort underscores a “whole-of-government approach” to removing dangerous noncitizens from U.S. communities.