ERO New Orleans arrests 7 criminal noncitizens in focused law enforcement operation

NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) New Orleans officers apprehended seven unlawfully present noncitizens with narcotics convictions during a nationwide law enforcement effort March 11- 22.

The criminal histories of those arrested included drug trafficking or multiple drug possession related offenses involving methamphetamines, fentanyl, cocaine, heroin, or synthetic drugs. Cases. The cases, which include individuals with a final order of removal, could be referred to a U.S. attorney’s office for federal criminal prosecution.

“Our ERO officers are dedicated to the safety of our communities through the arrest and removal of those who undermine our laws and disrupt public safety,” said ERO New Orleans Field Office Director Mellissa Harper. “By using intelligence-driven law enforcement strategies, ERO New Orleans was able to make efficient and effective use of our resources to identify and locate these individuals.”

Those arrested include:

• A 48-year-old citizen of El Salvador arrested in Nashville, who pleaded guilty to money laundering.
• A previously removed 55-year-old citizen of El Salvador in La Vergne, Tennessee, convicted of felony heroin distribution.
• A 32-year-old citizen of Mexico arrested in Conway, Arkansas, convicted of possession of marijuana with intent to deliver. This individual failed to depart the United States according to the terms of his admission.
• A 30-year-old previously removed Honduran national in Kenner, Louisiana, convicted of three counts of distribution of cocaine and one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine.
• A 37-year-old citizen of Mexico in Memphis, Tennessee, convicted of possession of cocaine with intent to manufacture, sell and deliver and possession of methamphetamines with intent to manufacture, sell and deliver.
• A 37-year-old citizen of Mexico in Birmingham, Alabama, convicted of felony distribution delivery of a manufacturing-controlled substance.
• A twice-removed 33-year-old citizen of Mexico in Franklin, Tennessee, convicted of possession of methamphetamines with intent to manufacture, deliver, or sell.

ICE focuses on the arrests of noncitizens who have committed crimes and other individuals who have violated U.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.

In fiscal year 2023, ERO arrested 73,822 noncitizens with a criminal history; those arrested had an average of four charges and convictions per individual, including more than 33,209 charges or convictions for assault, 7,520 for weapons offenses, 1,713 for homicide-related offenses, and 1,615 for kidnapping.

Members of the public can report crimes and/or suspicious activity by dialing 1-866-347-2423 or completing the online tip form. Learn more about ERO New Orleans’ mission to increase public safety in your community, on X, formerly known as Twitter at @ERONewOrleans.