SALT LAKE CITY — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced Tuesday the outcomes of recent enforcement operations aimed at apprehending removable individuals involved in crimes against victims across Utah, Nevada, Idaho, and Montana.

“The aliens targeted during this operation preyed on women, children, and men in our communities, committing serious crimes and, at times, repeatedly harming their victims,” said Bryan Wilcox, acting field office director for ERO Salt Lake City. “By focusing our efforts on abusers, we can prevent future victimization from occurring.”

As part of the initiative, ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) officers arrested 122 individuals either living illegally in the U.S. or removable due to their criminal histories. Approximately 85% of those arrested had prior criminal convictions or pending charges.

Notable Arrests

The arrests include individuals with serious criminal records, such as:

• A 28-year-old citizen of Mexico, arrested in Salt Lake City, Utah, with convictions for sex abuse of a child and spousal battery. He was sentenced to 15 years in prison.
• A 33-year-old citizen of Honduras, also in Salt Lake City, convicted of distributing a controlled substance and reentry of a removed alien.
• A 41-year-old citizen of Guatemala, arrested with the assistance of the U.S. Marshals Service, wanted for possession of a firearm by an illegal alien, aggravated assault – domestic violence, and domestic violence in the presence of a child.
• A 19-year-old citizen of Mexico, found in Las Vegas, Nevada, with a conviction for attempted lewdness with a child under the age of 14.
• A 42-year-old citizen of Mexico, also in Las Vegas, with a conviction for manslaughter with a firearm, for which he served 14 years in prison.
• A 37-year-old citizen of Laos, arrested in Ogden, Utah, with a conviction for enticing a minor online and dealing in harmful material to a minor.
• A 36-year-old citizen of Mexico, found in Las Vegas, with a conviction for attempted lewdness with a child under the age of 14.
• A 28-year-old citizen of Honduras, located in Meridian, Idaho, wanted for murder in Honduras.

Ongoing Efforts to Enhance Public Safety

ICE emphasizes its mission to target criminal aliens and individuals posing threats to public safety and national security. The agency does not exempt any group of removable individuals from potential enforcement. All those in violation of immigration laws may face arrest, detention, and removal from the U.S.

“Behind each one of these arrests is the story of a victim who has suffered abuse, battery upon a spouse, or sexual assault, among other heinous crimes,” Wilcox stated. “By focusing our efforts on these abusers, we’re doing our part to help families, even during this pandemic.”

Victims of crimes committed by individuals with immigration violations are encouraged to contact ICE’s VOICE office for assistance. The VOICE office provides victims and their families with resources, including custody information, releasable case histories, and explanations of the immigration enforcement process. The VOICE Hotline can be reached toll-free at 1-855-48-VOICE.

Ensuring Justice While Exercising Discretion

ICE follows Directive 10076.1, which encourages the use of prosecutorial discretion to avoid deterring victims, witnesses, or plaintiffs from pursuing justice. Each situation involving family members of arrest targets is evaluated individually to determine the appropriate course of action.

In Fiscal Year 2019, ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations made significant arrests involving serious crimes, including over 1,900 homicide charges and convictions, 1,800 for kidnapping, 12,000 for sex offenses, 5,000 for sexual assaults, 45,000 for assaults, 67,000 for drug-related crimes, 10,000 for weapons offenses, and 74,000 for DUIs.

ICE remains committed to protecting communities and ensuring justice for victims by apprehending individuals who pose significant threats. Through targeted enforcement and collaboration with local and federal agencies, the organization seeks to reduce crime and foster safer communities across the United States.