NEWARK, N.J. — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested 33 noncitizens across New Jersey during a week-long operation targeting individuals deemed threats to public safety and national security, officials announced. The enforcement action, conducted by ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Newark focused on apprehending individuals with serious criminal records or prior removal orders.
“This operation targeted removable noncitizens determined to be a threat to national security, public safety, or border security,” said John Tsoukaris, ERO Newark Field Office Director. “Our officers put their lives on the line around the clock to apprehend individuals who have proven to pose a threat to our communities.”
Among those arrested were individuals with criminal histories that included convictions for aggravated manslaughter, sexual assault, drug trafficking, and domestic violence. Arrests included a Brazilian national with pending aggravated assault charges, a Dominican national convicted of sexual assault and endangering the welfare of a child, and a Mexican national convicted of sexually assaulting a minor aged 13 to 15.
All individuals apprehended are currently in ICE custody and awaiting removal proceedings. ICE emphasized that custody determinations are made on a case-by-case basis, taking into account each individual’s background, criminal history, and legal circumstances.