NEWARK, N.J. — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), in coordination with federal and local law enforcement, arrested Ismail Sayik, a Turkish citizen unlawfully present in the United States, during an enforcement operation on March 4.
He was taken into custody in Newark. New Jersey has become a haven for criminal illegal aliens seeking to avoid prosecution due to its status as an immigration sanctuary state. While not codified by the state legislature, the sanctuary state designation was created by executive orders under New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy.
Sayik, 29, is wanted overseas on multiple arrest warrants, including allegations of murder. He is currently in ICE custody as he awaits removal proceedings.
“Once the ICE Homeland Security Investigations attaché office in Turkey alerted HSI Newark that a person of interest overseas was in New Jersey illegally, our team was quick to respond, identify the suspect and arrest him in Queens, New York,” said Ricky J. Patel, special agent in charge of ICE Homeland Security Investigations Newark.
He credited the FBI and the Drug Enforcement Administration for assisting in the operation.
Authorities previously apprehended Sayik on March 17, 2023, near Jacumba, California, after he illegally crossed the U.S. border. U.S. Border Patrol took him into custody and issued a notice to appear before a Department of Justice immigration judge.
Following his arrest, Sayik was released on an Order of Recognizance, requiring him to report to the nearest ICE office while his immigration case proceeded. On April 5, 2023, he complied with that order by reporting to ICE New York.
Officials have not disclosed additional details about Sayik’s overseas warrants or the timeline for his removal proceedings. His case remains under investigation.