NEWARK, NJ – In a series of targeted enforcement actions this month, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents with the ERO Newark field office arrested several foreign nationals accused or convicted of serious crimes across New Jersey, including charges of child molestation, heroin distribution, and sexual assault.
Key Points
- ICE’s Newark office detained multiple foreign nationals with violent or drug-related criminal histories
- Arrests included offenders from Spain, India, and Ecuador
- All individuals remain in federal custody pending deportation or removal proceedings
Arrests span multiple counties and serious charges
According to ICE and the ERO Newark field office, operations took place in early and mid-February, resulting in several high-profile arrests across Bergen and Middlesex counties. On February 10, agents working with the U.S. Department of State Diplomatic Security Service apprehended Naomi Homs Cabezas, a citizen of Spain, in Little Ferry. Officials said Cabezas had overstayed a nonimmigrant visa and now faces criminal charges for manufacturing and distributing heroin in New Jersey.
Days earlier, ICE agents detained Vodela Yashaswi Kottapalli, a national of India, who faces multiple pending charges in New Jersey, including sexual assault of a child under 13, shoplifting, and public disorder.
Convicted offender faces deportation following child sex assault case
In Middlesex County, ICE confirmed the custody of Victor Carrillo Ortega, a citizen of Ecuador, who was sentenced to eight years in state prison for molesting a minor under 13 years old. Ortega will remain in ICE custody pending a final deportation decision once his state sentence concludes.
Federal officials reaffirm strict removal policies
ERO Newark reiterated its enforcement stance with a message directed at foreign nationals unlawfully residing in the U.S.: “Self-deport or be deported—the choice is yours.” Officials said such operations aim to remove individuals who pose threats to public safety or have criminal convictions, especially involving violence, drugs, or child exploitation.
The recent arrests underscore ICE’s continued focus on detaining and removing individuals with serious criminal charges across New Jersey.
