BALTIMORE, MD. – U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Baltimore conducted a targeted operation on October 18th, resulting in the arrest of five noncitizens with criminal records in Maryland.
“This targeted operation resulted in the arrest of five noncitizens with serious criminal histories including fentanyl distribution, gang activity, drug cartel association, assault, and sexual assault,” said ERO Baltimore Field Office Director Matthew Elliston.
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The individuals arrested have criminal histories that include:
- Fentanyl distribution
- Gang activity
- Drug cartel association
- Assault
- Sexual assault
“ERO Baltimore will not tolerate these egregious noncitizen offenders victimizing our Maryland communities,” Elliston added.
The five individuals are in custody pending removal proceedings. They will have the opportunity to appear before an immigration judge who will determine whether they are subject to deportation.
Romeo Almengor Oxlaj-Lopez, a 24-year-old unlawfully present Guatemalan noncitizen and documented gang member who was originally apprehended Dec. 17, 2014, by U.S. Customs and Border Protection in Douglas, Arizona. Oxlaj was ordered removed from the United States Aug. 6, 2019. Oxlaj was convicted April 26, 2022, by the Montgomery County Circuit Court, for second-degree assault and sentenced to 11 months and 29 days in prison.
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Denis Flores-Alvardo, a 38-year-old unlawfully present Honduran noncitizen who entered the United States at an unknown location without inspection by a U.S. immigration official. He was arrested Feb. 2 by the Howard County Police Department Feb. 2, and charged with having a loaded handgun and driving while under the influence of alcohol. Flores was convicted Sept. 30 and sentenced to 364 days in prison.
Noe Antonio Machado-Medrano, a 29-year-old unlawfully present Salvadoran noncitizen who entered United States at an unknown location without inspection by a U.S. immigration official. The U.S. District Court in Oregon convicted Machado Nov. 4, 2020, for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and sentenced him to time served followed by three years of supervised release.
Justin Jeremiah Johnson is an 18-year-old Trinidadian noncitizen who lawfully entered the United States May 2, 2021, at John F. Kennedy Airport, New York; however, he violated the terms of his admission. The Baltimore City Circuit Court Maryland convicted Johnson of robbery Sept. 30 and sentenced him to eight years in prison followed by three years of supervised probation.
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Jose Edgar Rivas-Arevalo, a 41-year-old unlawfully present Salvadoran noncitizen who was apprehended and processed for expedited removal June 26, 2008, after entering the United States near Hebbronville, Texas. He was removed Aug. 28, 2008, to El Salvador. Rivas then unlawfully re-entered the United States at an unknown location without inspection by a U.S. immigration official. The District Court of Baltimore County convicted him Oct. 8 of second-degree assault and sentenced him to 18 months in prison to be followed by one year of supervised probation.
ERO is the primary federal law enforcement agency responsible for domestic immigration enforcement. Its mission is to protect the homeland by identifying and removing individuals who pose a threat to public safety or undermine the integrity of U.S. immigration laws.
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