U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and its law enforcement partners apprehended 214 illegal aliens during a targeted enforcement operation in Northern Virginia, focusing on transnational organized crime, gangs, and egregious offenders.
The operation, conducted between March 1 and 13, 2025, aimed to enhance public safety in the region.
The operation specifically targeted transnational criminal organizations, including the notorious MS-13 and 18th Street gangs, known to operate in the Northern Virginia suburbs of Washington, D.C.
READ: ICE, DEA Arrest Illegal Alien Charged With Disturbing Crimes Against A Massachusetts Child
“Our communities in Virginia are safer today because our law enforcement officers stood between them and the danger,” said ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Washington, D.C. Field Office Director Russ Hott. “During this enforcement operation, ICE and our law enforcement partners targeted the most dangerous alien offenders in some of the most gang-infested neighborhoods in Northern Virginia, and this resulted in 214 arrests.”
Acting Special Agent in Charge Christopher Heck of ICE Homeland Security Investigations Washington, D.C., emphasized the importance of strong partnerships in the operation’s success. “The apprehension of 214 alien offenders is impressive and was only made possible through strong partnerships,” he stated.
Among those arrested were individuals with serious criminal records, including:
- A 26-year-old Salvadoran MS-13 member convicted of malicious wounding and larceny.
- A 46-year-old previously removed Salvadoran MS-13 member convicted of weapons and other offenses.
- A 40-year-old Salvadoran MS-13 member wanted in El Salvador for aggravated extortion.
- A 37-year-old Jamaican national convicted of second-degree murder.
- A 46-year-old Mexican national convicted of sex offenses involving a minor.
- A 27-year-old Honduran national convicted of object sexual penetration.
READ: ICE D.C. Arrests Illegal Salvadoran Woman Convicted Of Assault In Virginia
ICE officials reiterated their commitment to public safety and vowed to continue targeting and removing illegal alien offenders from communities. They also issued a stern warning to gang members, stating they would be apprehended and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
The operation involved collaboration with numerous law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, U.S. Marshals Service, Drug Enforcement Administration, and state and local law enforcement.
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