ERO Harlingen arrests 6 noncitizens with drug-related convictions during nationwide law enforcement effort

HARLINGEN, Texas — Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Harlingen officers apprehended six unlawfully present noncitizens who were convicted of drug trafficking or multiple drug possession related offenses involving methamphetamine, fentanyl, cocaine, heroin or synthetic drugs during a nationwide law enforcement effort that ran from March 11 through March 26, 2024.

Today’s announcement follows a nationwide enforcement effort in February, when 275 individuals presenting threats to public safety were arrested. By using an intelligence-driven enforcement model, ERO makes efficient use of limited resources to promote public safety in communities across the United States.

Those arrested include:

• A 36-year-old citizen of Mexico arrested in Edinburg. In January 2024, the 398th District Court in Edinburg convicted this noncitizen of felony possession of a controlled substance.
• A 34-year-old citizen of Mexico arrested in Laredo. In June 2015, the 406th District Court in Laredo convicted this noncitizen of felony manufacture/deliver controlled substance-heroin, for which she was sentenced to two years of confinement followed by four years of probation.
• A 33 year-old citizen of Mexico arrested in Donna. In February 2014, the 332nd District Court in Edinburg convicted this noncitizen of felony possession of marijuana less than 2,000 pounds but more than 50 pounds.
• A 60-year-old citizen of Mexico in Laredo. In April 2002, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas convicted this noncitizen of felony possession with intent to deliver methamphetamine, for which he was sentenced to 70 months of confinement followed by 60 months of supervised release.
• A 32-year-old citizen of Mexico in South Padre Island. In March 2013, the Southern District of Texas in Brownsville convicted this noncitizen of felony possession with intent to distribute a quantity exceeding 50 kilograms of marijuana.

ICE focuses on arresting noncitizens who have committed crimes and other individuals who have violated our nation’s immigration laws. ICE officers, informed by their experience and training, use their inherent discretion as law enforcement officials to focus enforcement resources on those who pose a threat to national security, public safety or border security. These efforts include noncitizens with final orders of removal. Cases amenable to federal criminal prosecution may be presented to the appropriate U.S. attorney’s office.

In fiscal year 2023, ERO arrested 73,822 noncitizens with criminal histories; this group had 290,178 associated charges and convictions with an average of four per individual. These included 33,209 assaults; 4,390 sex and sexual assaults; 7,520 weapons offenses; 1,713 charges or convictions for homicide; and 1,655 kidnapping offenses.

Members of the public can report crimes and suspicious activity by dialing 866-347-2423 or completing the online tip form. Learn more about ICE’s mission to increase public safety in your community on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @EroHarlingen.

B-roll and imagery of the operation is available on DVIDS.