Federal immigration officials apprehended nearly 200 undocumented immigrants last week during a four-day sweep targeting businesses throughout Washington, D.C.
This operation, conducted from May 6 to May 9, focused on apprehending criminal foreign nationals, including members of international criminal organizations known to be active in the Washington, D.C. area, such as “the notorious MS-13, Tren de Aragua and 18th Street gangs,” as reported by ICE. In total, 189 individuals were detained, and ICE agents issued inspection notices to 187 local businesses.
“Thanks to the thorough investigative efforts and commitment shown by ICE Washington, D.C. and our law enforcement allies, the District of Columbia is significantly safer today,” stated Russell Hott, the director of ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Washington, D.C., Field Office.
“Throughout this enhanced enforcement operation, we targeted the most dangerous alien offenders in some of the most crime-infested neighborhoods in the city of Washington, D.C. Evil is powerless if the good are unafraid,” he added. “ICE Washington, D.C. remains dedicated to our mission of prioritizing public safety by arresting and removing criminal offenders from our nation’s capital and surrounding communities.”
“Thanks to President Trump’s leadership and this administration’s focus on law and order, these arrests mark a major step toward making Washington, D.C., safer for law-abiding citizens and their families,” Martin said. “They send a clear message: violating our nation’s immigration laws will not be ignored.”
ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Washington, D.C. Field Office Director Russell Hott said “The District of Columbia is exponentially safer today because of countless hours of investigative work and dedication to duty displayed by ICE Washington, D.C. and our law enforcement partners.” (ICE)
D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser’s office did not immediately respond Tuesday to requests for comment from Fox News Digital, but Bowser said last week she was “disturbed” to hear about reports of arrests, according to Fox5 DC.
“It appears as though ICE is at restaurants, or even at neighborhoods, and it doesn’t look like they’re targeting criminals, and it does look like they’re disrupting,” Bowser said.
