In a recent operation led by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), 1,328 illegal immigrants were arrested in the suburbs of Washington D.C. within a span of 14 days, as revealed by multiple sources familiar with the matter.
The operation, named “Operation Safe Community – Washington, D.C.,” took place from August 1 to 14 in the states of Virginia and Maryland, both of which have sanctuary policies in place.
Among those apprehended, nearly 400 illegal immigrants had criminal records or were facing criminal charges, including crimes such as murder, rape, sexual assault, kidnapping, DUI, robbery, and attempted murder.
In Richmond, Virginia, ICE arrested Eygner Wilfredo Huezo-Moran from El Salvador, who had been wanted for murder and using firearms in the commission of a murder.
The detainees also included members of foreign terrorist organizations such as MS-13, Tren de Aragua, and 18th Street Gang.
ICE also arrested Rowan Andrew Brown, an illegal immigrant from Jamaica, whose criminal record includes charges of identity theft, kidnapping, illegal entry, and one arrest for fraud.
Angel Gabriel Ortiz-Hernandez from Guatemala was arrested in Alexandria with a criminal record that includes the rape of a mentally disabled victim and two counts of sexual assault on incapacitated victims.
In Harrisonburg, Virginia, ICE apprehended Estrella Reyes-Funez from Honduras, whose criminal record includes a felony conviction for hit-and-run and arrests for threats to detonate bombs or commit arson, domestic violence, and violations of protection orders.
In Manassas, Virginia, ICE arrested a Salvadoran MS-13 member named German Mejia-Baires, who had been convicted of serious bodily harm, as well as charges of DUI, driving without a license, and illegal entry.
Federal officials stated that this operation was one of ICE’s most successful to date.
Patricia Hyde, Acting Deputy Assistant Director of the Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) under ICE, emphasized the agency’s dedication to removing foreign criminals from communities in Virginia and Maryland to enhance safety.
Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin informed Fox News that ICE agents are diligently working to expel dangerous illegal immigrants from the country in order to safeguard the nation, applauding them for swiftly apprehending numerous sexual offenders, kidnappers, DUI offenders, robbers, and gang members in just two weeks in Virginia and Maryland.
He affirmed, “We will continue to arrest and deport illegal immigrants to ensure America’s safety once again.”
(Reference: FOX NEWS)