The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) recently arrested three Chinese illegal immigrants in various locations in upstate New York for defrauding elderly individuals, with the amounts involved ranging from $20,000 to over $90,000. ICE officials are reminding senior citizens to be vigilant and emphasize that they will continue to target and apprehend illegal immigrants involved in crimes in the United States for deportation.
According to a statement released by ICE, the most recent case occurred on July 8. The suspect Jian Chen was arrested in Potsdam, a town in northern New York. Chen is accused of defrauding a 63-year-old retired woman of $42,000 through deception and attempted to obtain an additional $98,000 from the same victim. He was apprehended when investigators intervened during the agreed-upon meeting. Chen has since been transferred to federal immigration authorities awaiting deportation proceedings.
Another suspect, Rihui Yan, was arrested on May 29 in Massena. Federal investigators allege that Yan attempted to defraud an elderly couple of their $20,000 savings. Additionally, he faces similar charges in Wyoming County, New York.
Both individuals mentioned above are currently detained by ICE without bond while awaiting deportation proceedings.
In a previous incident on October 24, 2024, ICE and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) arrested Hui Chen in Brooklyn based on a tip from the Ticonderoga Police Department.
ICE stated that Chen conspired with others in an attempt to defraud a local elderly resident of approximately $40,000. She is being charged with major theft and conspiracy and remains in custody awaiting further immigration legal proceedings.
Deputy Director Joseph Freden of ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) stated that they are committed to preventing foreign criminals from exploiting vulnerable groups in the United States, especially by fraudulently stealing their life savings. He emphasized that they will continue to execute deportation procedures for illegal foreign individuals who disrupt community safety and the rule of law.
Erin Keegan, the head of the Buffalo field office for Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), highlighted the recent operations as a demonstration of ICE’s determination to combat transnational criminal organizations and protect local communities. She emphasized that they will not tolerate individuals illegally residing in the United States harming innocent people for personal gain.
Since 2021, the number of undocumented immigrants from China entering the U.S. through the southern border has significantly increased. Federal authorities have prioritized enforcement on “high-risk individuals” involved in violence or major property crimes, expediting deportation procedures for relevant cases.