A coordinated enforcement operation conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and multiple federal law enforcement agencies resulted in the arrest of 81 undocumented individuals in Kentucky between March 10 and 14.
The targeted operation focused on individuals who pose a threat to public safety and national security. Of those arrested, 25 face criminal charges, including illegal reentry, illegal possession of firearms, and illegal possession of controlled substances.
The individuals arrested hailed from various countries, including Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Cuba, India, and Palau. Those not facing criminal charges will be held in ICE custody pending removal proceedings.
Notable arrests during the operation include:
- A 35-year-old Honduran national charged with possession of a firearm by an undocumented individual and illegal reentry.
- A 50-year-old Mexican national charged with possession of a firearm by an undocumented individual.
- A 30-year-old Mexican national charged with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, and possession of a firearm by an undocumented individual.
- A 45-year-old Guatemalan national with prior convictions for domestic violence, public intoxication, driving without a license, and DUI.
- A 44-year-old Indian national with prior convictions for sexual misconduct with a minor, intimidation, and battery.
- A 28-year-old Mexican national charged with possession of a firearm by an undocumented individual.
- A 32-year-old Mexican national with a prior drug trafficking conviction and possession of multiple firearms with machine gun conversion devices, now charged with possession of a firearm by an undocumented individual and illegal reentry.
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“Public safety relies on the expertise of ICE officers who are able to coordinate across federal agencies to accomplish these arrests,” said ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Chicago Field Office Director Sam Olson. “Operations that lead to the arrest and detention of undocumented offenders can be complex and may, at times, prove to be challenging. Our agency is more than capable to meet those challenges. I’m grateful for all our federal partners here in the Commonwealth of Kentucky and we are committed, as a united group, to removing individuals from our communities who pose a threat to public safety and national security.”
The FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), U.S. Marshals Service, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) were among the participating agencies.
The U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Western District of Kentucky and the Eastern District of Kentucky will pursue criminal charges by indictment or criminal complaint.
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