ICE-led operations in Georgia have resulted in a significant sweep, with agents apprehending approximately 1,500 individuals who are in the United States illegally. The multi-agency effort, announced on April 4th, targeted criminal activity and immigration violations, highlighting the collaborative approach of federal law enforcement.
The operations, which began on January 22nd, involved a coordinated effort between ICE and other federal agencies, including the FBI, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and the United States Marshalls Service.
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Since March 24th, law enforcement actions across Georgia have led to over 150 arrests related to criminal and civil immigration offenses. The focus of these arrests included individuals involved in gang activity, drug trafficking, violent crimes, and organized crime, as well as other threats to public safety.
Notably, agents seized narcotics, firearms, and substantial sums of cash linked to drug proceeds from illegal aliens during these actions.
In a key aspect of the operation, ICE Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) spearheaded a large-scale labor trafficking investigation in Cartersville, Georgia. This operation resulted in the rescue of numerous trafficking victims and the arrest of individuals involved in the exploitation. The victims were allegedly subjected to deplorable housing conditions, forced to work long hours under poor conditions, and paid unfair wages.
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Specific examples of the operations include:
- The arrest of a Honduran national, present in the U.S. illegally, for the alleged murder and rape of an unidentified woman. ICE assisted the Cobb County Police Department in this arrest, and it was revealed that the individual had previously been ordered removed from the U.S. by an immigration judge in July 2023.
- A joint operation involving ICE, ATF, and DEA, which led to the arrest of four individuals and the seizure of 13 firearms. One of those arrested was in the U.S. illegally and in possession of a firearm.
- A collaborative effort by ICE, DEA, ATF, and FBI, resulting in the arrest of 13 illegal aliens and the seizure of two firearms and approximately $170,000 in cash. One individual will be charged with possession of a firearm.
- The labor trafficking operation in Cartersville, where ICE, with assistance from the FBI, Georgia Bureau of Investigations (GBI), and the Bartow County Sheriff’s Office, arrested the owner of a flooring manufacturing company and his nephew. Eight search warrants were executed, and over 60 victims were rescued.
“HSI remains unwavering in its mission to protect the safety and security of our communities,” said ICE HSI Atlanta Special Agent in Charge Steven N. Schrank. “The individuals arrested in these operations are not only in the U.S. illegally but have also been involved in activities that harm American citizens and residents. Through these operations, we are sending a clear message that criminal activity will not be tolerated, regardless of immigration status.”
ICE emphasized that many of those arrested had prior convictions for serious crimes, including assault, drug distribution, weapons offenses, and child exploitation.
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The agency also highlighted its ongoing commitment to dismantling human trafficking networks, disrupting smuggling operations, and combating transnational criminal organizations, working in conjunction with federal, state, and local partners.
ICE’s focus on apprehending and removing criminal illegal aliens is presented as a key component of its strategy to enhance national security and public safety.
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