In a coordinated law enforcement operation, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Tucson, in collaboration with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the U.S. Marshals Service, arrested two Mexican nationals illegally present in the United States, both of whom have prior convictions for aggravated felonies. The arrests, which took place on January 25, underscore the ongoing efforts to combat transnational crime and ensure public safety.
The operation began when HSI agents received information about the location of a Mexican national who had previously been convicted of a felony for fleeing the scene of an accident involving death or serious injuries.
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Further investigation revealed that the suspect was also under investigation by both HSI and the DEA for allegedly participating in a transnational criminal organization involved in trafficking cocaine and fentanyl in the Tucson area.
At approximately 2 p.m. on January 25, agents observed the suspect exiting a residence with two other individuals. The trio entered a vehicle and traveled to a Home Depot located at the intersection of Dodge Boulevard and Broadway Avenue in Tucson. Law enforcement officers followed the vehicle to the parking lot and waited for the suspects to return to their car after completing their errands.
Upon their return to the vehicle, HSI, DEA, and U.S. Marshals agents detained all three individuals. After confirming their identities and citizenship status, one of the suspects—a U.S. citizen—was released at the scene. The other two individuals were identified as Mexican nationals illegally present in the United States.
The primary suspect, whose arrest initiated the operation, has a prior felony conviction for fleeing the scene of a fatal or serious injury accident. Additionally, he is under investigation for his alleged involvement in a transnational criminal organization trafficking dangerous drugs.
The second suspect, also a Mexican national, has a prior aggravated felony conviction for sexual assault in 2005. Following his conviction, he was deported from the United States but later re-entered the country illegally.
Both individuals were administratively detained for re-entering the United States without inspection or parole and are currently in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody pending the outcome of their immigration cases.
The successful arrests highlight the importance of interagency collaboration in addressing complex criminal activities. “The success of these arrests is due to the significant assistance from the DEA and the U.S. Marshals,” said an HSI spokesperson. “This operation demonstrates our commitment to targeting individuals who pose a threat to public safety and our communities.”
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The arrests are part of a broader effort by federal law enforcement agencies to disrupt transnational criminal organizations involved in drug trafficking, human smuggling, and other illegal activities. By targeting individuals with prior felony convictions who re-enter the country illegally, authorities aim to prevent further criminal activity and protect communities from harm.
Both suspects will remain in ICE custody as their immigration cases proceed. If convicted of illegal re-entry, they could face significant penalties, including deportation and potential federal prison time.
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