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GRAND ISLAND, Neb. — Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations Kansas City Katherine Greer and Acting United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Austin Kober, 24, of Grand Island, Nebraska, was sentenced today by United States District Court Judge John M. Gerrard to a term of 228 months’ imprisonment following his conviction for distribution of 50 grams or more of actual methamphetamine following a joint HSI and law enforcement partner investigation.The sentence was enhanced because the judge deemed Kober a career offender. After he completes his prison sentence, Kober will also serve five years on supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. On two occasions in March 2021, Kober sold methamphetamine to an informant in Grand Island. Methamphetamine from one of the sales was sent to the Nebraska State Patrol Crime Lab where an analyst confirmed the presence of at least 106 grams of pure methamphetamine. On May 26, 2021, investigators saw short-term traffic to and from Kober’s residence, then saw him leave in a Chevy Impala. Police stopped Kober for traffic violations and found $699 cash in his pocket; Kober admitted marijuana had been in the car in the past. Police deployed a drug-detection dog around the car. The dog alerted and indicated to the odor of narcotics. During the subsequent search, investigators found $1,500 in cash in the center console and a half-pound of methamphetamine in the back seat. The crime lab confirmed the presence of at least 240 grams of pure methamphetamine. Investigators served a search warrant at Kober’s residence, where they found a drug ledger, a vacuum sealer machine, vacuum sealer bags, marijuana and a box of baggies. Investigators interviewed Kober, who admitted to dealing methamphetamine. Two witnesses told investigators they had received methamphetamine from Kober on multiple occasions in 2020 and 2021. This case was investigated by HSI, the Hall County Sheriff’s Office and the Central Nebraska Drug and Safe Streets Task Force, which is made up of officers from the Grand Island Police Department, HSI, Hall County Sheriff, Hastings Police Department, Adams County Sheriff, Kearney Police Department, Buffalo County Sheriff, Nebraska State Patrol and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Homeland Security Investigations HSI is a directorate of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the principal investigative arm of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, responsible for investigating transnational crime and threats, specifically those criminal organizations that exploit the global infrastructure through which international trade, travel and finance move. HSI’s workforce of over 10,400 employees consists of more than 6,800 special agents assigned to 225 cities throughout the United States, and 93 overseas locations in 56 countries. HSI’s international presence represents DHS’ largest investigative law enforcement presence abroad and one of the largest international footprints in U.S. law enforcement. Learn more about HSI’s mission to combat drug trafficking in your community on Twitter @HSIKansasCity.

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SALT LAKE CITY — Officers with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations Salt Lake City Field Office apprehended five unlawfully present noncitizens convicted of sex offenses during a nationwide enforcement effort Oct. 22 through Nov. 4. The law enforcement action conducted by ERO resulted in a total of 138 arrests nationally, including some with an executable final order of removal.“This operation is emblematic of ICE’s mission to enhance public safety through strategic use of its legal authorities,” said ERO Salt Lake City Field Office Director Michael Bernacke. “These sex offenders will be removed from the U.S., ending and impeding their ability to further victimize residents of Nevada and Utah.” This enforcement operation was implemented to address unlawfully present noncitizens convicted of sex offenses. Cases amenable to federal criminal prosecution may be presented to the appropriate U.S. attorney’s office. Arrested in the Salt Lake City Field Office area of responsibility, which includes Utah, Nevada, Idaho, and Montana: A 36-year-old citizen of Guatemala in Las Vegas, convicted by the District Court Clark County of felony attempted sexual assault against a child less than 14; sentenced to a minimum of six years with a maximum of 15 years in prison A 41-year-old citizen of Mexico in Las Vegas, convicted by the District Court Clark County of felony open or gross lewdness in the presence of a child or vulnerable person; sentenced to 48 months prison A 34-year-old citizen of Mexico in Las Vegas, convicted by the District Court Clark County of open or gross lewdness; sentenced to 69 days jail A 37-year-old citizen of Mexico in Tooele, Utah, convicted by the Third District Court, Salt Lake County of sexual battery; sentenced to 364 days jail A 25-year-old citizen of the Philippines in Reno, Nevada, convicted in the Second Judicial District Court of the State of Nevada in the County of Washoe of soliciting a child for prostitution and placed on probation for an indeterminate period of time not to exceed 24 months  ICE officers make case decisions in a responsible manner, informed by their experience as law enforcement professionals and in a way that best protects against the greatest threats to the homeland. Noncitizens placed into removal proceedings receive their legal due process from federal immigration judges in the immigration courts, which are administered by the Executive Office for Immigration Review. EOIR is an agency within the U.S. Department of Justice and is separate from the Department of Homeland Security and ICE. Immigration judges in these courts make decisions based on the merits of each individual case. ICE officers carry out the removal decisions made by the federal immigration judges. In fiscal year 2021, ERO arrested 12,025 individuals with aggravated felony convictions. Offenses associated with noncitizens arrested in FY 2021 included 1,506 homicide related offenses, 3,415 sexual assaults, 19,549 assaults, 2,717 robberies and 1,063 kidnappings. Members of the public can report crimes and suspicious activity by dialing 866-347-2423 or completing the online tip form. Learn more about ICE’s mission to increase public safety in your community on Twitter @EROSaltLakeCity.

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Los Angeles — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations Los Angeles Field Office arrested 21 noncitizen sex offenders from Oct. 22 to Nov. 4 during a national operation targeting unlawfully present individuals who were previously convicted of sex offenses.The arrests were made under Operation SOAR (Sex Offender Arrest and Removal), a coordinated fugitive operations initiative that prioritizes the arrest and removal of unlawfully present convicted sex offenders. “The 21 individuals taken into custody represent the most heinous criminal activity facing our communities and our children. ERO Los Angeles’ fugitive operation officers will doggedly pursue any noncitizen that choses to not only flout U.S. immigration laws but seek to take predatory action against vulnerable children,” said ERO Los Angeles Field Office Director Thomas Giles.  ERO Los Angeles made the following SOAR arrests during the operation: On Oct. 27, a 65-year-old Mexican national convicted of two counts of felony lewd and lascivious acts with a child under 14 years old in Anaheim, California On Nov. 3, a 45-year-old Mexican national convicted of felony lewd act upon a child in Canoga Park, California On Nov. 3, a 58-year-old Mexican national convicted of felony assault to commit rape in Perris, California On Nov. 4, a 45-year-old Mexican national convicted of felony contact with a minor with intent to commit sex and felony indecent exposure to a minor in Riverside, California ICE officers make case decisions in a responsible manner, informed by their experience as law enforcement professionals and in a way that best protects against the greatest threats to the homeland. They apply prosecutorial discretion when making such decisions, as do law enforcement officers in different agencies and offices throughout the nation. Noncitizens placed into removal proceedings receive their legal due process from federal immigration judges in the immigration courts, which are administered by the Executive Office for Immigration Review. EOIR is an agency within the U.S. Department of Justice and is separate from the Department of Homeland Security and ICE. Immigration judges in these courts make decisions based on the merits of each individual case. ICE officers carry out the removal decisions made by federal immigration judges. In fiscal year 2021, ERO conducted 74,082 administrative arrests of noncitizens, which included 12,025 individuals with aggravated felony convictions. Offenses associated with noncitizens arrested in FY 2021 included 1,506 homicide related offenses, 3,415 sexual assaults, 19,549 assaults, 2,717 robberies and 1,063 kidnappings. Members of the public can report crimes and suspicious activity by dialing 866-347-2423 or completing the online tip form. Learn more about ERO Los Angeles’s mission to increase public safety in your community by following us on Twitter @EROLosAngeles.

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Seattle — Officers with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations Seattle Field Office apprehended five unlawfully present noncitizens convicted of sex offenses during a nationwide enforcement effort Oct. 22 through Nov. 4. The law enforcement action conducted by ERO resulted in a total of 138 arrests nationally, including some with an executable final order of removal.“ERO is a valuable component in providing public safety here in the Pacific Northwest and throughout the entire country; that value is reinforced by the arrests made during this operation,” said ERO Seattle Field Office Director Drew H. Bostock. “Those convicted of crimes related to sexual violence who are unlawfully present in the U.S. will be held accountable, ultimately improving the safety of our communities.” This enforcement operation was implemented to address unlawfully present noncitizens convicted of sex offenses. Cases amenable to federal criminal prosecution may be presented to the appropriate U.S. attorney’s office. Individuals listed here will remain in ICE custody pending removal proceedings. The following individuals were arrested in the Seattle Field Office area of responsibility, which includes Washington, Oregon and Alaska: A 61-year-old citizen of Mexico in Richland, Washington, convicted by the Benton County Superior Court of child molestation in January 2020 A 39-year-old citizen of Mexico in Auburn, Washington, convicted by the Superior Court of Washington for King County of possessing depictions of minors in sexual conduct and sexual exploitation of a minor; sentenced to three months’ incarceration A 59-year-old citizen of El Salvador in Othello, Washington, convicted by the Franklin County Superior Court of rape; sentenced to six months’ incarceration A 35-year-old citizen of Mexico in Kent, Washington, convicted by the Superior Court of Washington for King County of communication with a minor for immoral purposes; sentenced to three months’ incarceration; and of cyberstalking and disclosing intimate images and sentenced to 364 days of incarceration A 50-year-old citizen of Mexico in Hillsboro, Oregon, convicted by the Washington County Circuit Court of felony unlawful sexual penetration and sexual abuse ICE officers make case decisions in a responsible manner, informed by their experience as law enforcement professionals and in a way that best protects against the greatest threats to the homeland. Noncitizens placed into removal proceedings receive their legal due process from federal immigration judges in the immigration courts, which are administered by the Executive Office for Immigration Review. EOIR is an agency within the U.S. Department of Justice and is separate from the Department of Homeland Security and ICE. Immigration judges in these courts make decisions based on the merits of each individual case. ICE officers carry out the removal decisions made by federal immigration judges. In fiscal year 2021, ERO arrested 2,025 individuals with aggravated felony convictions. Offenses associated with noncitizens arrested in FY 2021 included 1,506 homicide related offenses, 3,415 sexual assaults, 19,549 assaults, 2,717 robberies and 1,063 kidnappings. Members of the public can report crimes and/or suspicious activity by dialing 866-347-2423 or completing the online tip form. Learn more about ICE’s mission to increase public safety in your community on Twitter @EROSeattle.

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SAN FRANCISCO — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations officers apprehended 15 unlawfully present noncitizens convicted of sex offenses, including those with an executable final order of removal, during a nationwide enforcement effort Oct. 22 through Nov. 4.  “Thanks to the tireless efforts of our ERO San Francisco fugitive operations officers, 15 convicted noncitizen sex offenders have been removed from the community and are no longer a danger to our children,” said ERO San Francisco Field Office Director Moises. “I couldn’t be prouder of the amazing work that our fugitive operations officers do every day to locate and arrest public safety threats.” Among those arrested: A 45-year-old citizen of Mexico in Modesto, California, convicted in Kern County, California of two counts of felony lewd and lascivious acts with a minor in November 2018, and of felony assault on a person in March 2019 A 24-year-old citizen of Mexico in Avenal, California, convicted in Kings County, California of felony child molesting in October 2019 A 59-year-old citizen of Mexico in Yuba City, California, convicted in Kern County, California of lewd and lascivious acts with a child in February 2016 A 38-year-old citizen of Mexico in Los Banos, California, convicted in Merced County, California of felony annoy/molest victim under 18 years of age in June 2021 A 37-year-old citizen of Mexico in Madera, California, convicted in San Joaquin County, California of lewd acts with a minor child under 14 in May 2021 A 47-year-old citizen of Mexico in Modesto, California, convicted in San Joaquin County, California of felony contact minor with intent for sex in April 2022 A 24-year-old citizen of Burma in Daly City, California, convicted in San Mateo County, California of possession of obscene material of a minor in February 2022 ICE officers make case decisions in a responsible manner, informed by their experience as law enforcement professionals and in a way that best protects against the greatest threats to the homeland. Noncitizens placed into removal proceedings receive their legal due process from federal immigration judges in the immigration courts, which are administered by the Executive Office for Immigration Review. EOIR is an agency within the U.S. Department of Justice and is separate from the Department of Homeland Security and ICE. Immigration judges in these courts make decisions based on the merits of each individual case. ICE officers carry out the removal decisions made by the federal immigration judges. In fiscal year 2021, ERO San Francisco conducted 1,685 administrative arrests of noncitizens, which included 190 suspected gang arrests and seven foreign fugitive cases, and removed 1,245 people with pending or convicted criminal charges. Members of the public can report crimes and suspicious activity by dialing 866-347-2423 or completing the online tip form. Learn more about ERO San Francisco’s mission to increase public safety in the community by visiting us on Twitter @EROSanFrancisco.

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HASTINGS, Neb. — Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations Kansas City Katherine Greer and Acting United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Robert Williams, 52, of Hastings, Nebraska, was sentenced Nov. 16, 2022, by United States District Court Judge John M. Gerrard to a term of 144 months’ imprisonment following his conviction for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute.After he completes his prison sentence, Williams will also serve eight years on supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. On July 9, 2020, investigators utilized a confidential informant to purchase methamphetamine from Williams. The buy fell through, but investigators obtained a search warrant for Williams’ apartment. Inside, investigators located approximately 269 grams of methamphetamine packaged in 27 different baggies. The drugs were sent to the Nebraska State Patrol Crime Lab, where an analyst confirmed that one of the bags was confirmed to be 66 grams of pure methamphetamine. Officers also located marijuana and a large number of pills, as well as other items used to ingest and distribute narcotics. This case was investigated by HSI, the Hastings Police Department and the Central Nebraska Drug and Safe Streets Task Force, which is made up of officers from the Grand Island Police Department, Hall County Sheriff, Hastings Police Department, Adams County Sheriff, Kearney Police Department, Buffalo County Sheriff, Nebraska State Patrol and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Homeland Security Investigations HSI is a directorate of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the principal investigative arm of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, responsible for investigating transnational crime and threats, specifically those criminal organizations that exploit the global infrastructure through which international trade, travel and finance move. HSI’s workforce of over 10,400 employees consists of more than 6,800 special agents assigned to 225 cities throughout the United States, and 93 overseas locations in 56 countries. HSI’s international presence represents DHS’ largest investigative law enforcement presence abroad and one of the largest international footprints in U.S. law enforcement. Learn more about HSI’s mission to combat drug trafficking in your community on Twitter @HSIKansasCity.

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WASHINGTON — Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) arrested a former high-ranking Somali army officer accused of multiple human rights violations against Somali civilians during the 1980s.  Special agents arrested Yusuf Abdi Ali, aka Tukeh, Nov. 17 in Springfield, Virginia for those human rights abuses, which include extrajudicial killing; torture; cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment; and arbitrary detention.Ali, a 69-year-old Springfield resident, served as a lieutenant colonel in the Somali National Army and Commander of the Fifth Brigade in Northwest Somalia from approximately May 1987 to July 1988 under the dictatorship of Siad Barre. During this time, the Somali army committed numerous serious human rights violations against civilians. “While Yusuf Abdi Ali’s apprehension cannot undo the pain that he allegedly inflicted upon the victims of his purported human rights abuses, it is my sincere hope that by seeing him answer for his apparent role in these heinous crimes, they will be given some form of peace,” said Derek W. Gordon, Acting Special Agent in charge of HSI Washington, D.C. “HSI Washington, D.C. is dedicated to protecting the law-abiding residents of the Washington, D.C. Metro area, while continuing to search out those who intend to benefit from the abuse of others.” In May 2019, a jury in the Eastern District of Virginia found Ali liable in a civil suit for the torture of a Somali herder and awarded the plaintiff damages. This case was supported by the Human Rights Violators and War Crimes Center and will be litigated by ICE’s Office of the Principal Legal Advisor. Established in 2008, the HRVWCC furthers HSI’s efforts to identify, locate and prosecute human rights abusers in the United States, including those who are known or suspected to have participated in persecution, war crimes, genocide, torture, extrajudicial killings, female genital mutilation and the use or recruitment of child soldiers. The HRVWCC leverages the expertise of a select group of agents, lawyers, intelligence and research specialists, historians and analysts who direct the agency’s broader enforcement efforts against these offenders. Since 2003, HSI has arrested more than 480 individuals for human rights-related violations of the law under various criminal and immigration statutes. During that same period, HSI obtained deportation orders against and physically removed 1,100 known or suspected human rights violators from the United States. Additionally, HSI has facilitated the departure of an additional 186 such individuals from the United States. Currently, HSI has more than 160 active investigations into suspected human rights violators and is pursuing more than 1,700 leads and removal cases involving suspected human rights violators from 95 different countries. Since 2003, the HRVWCC has issued more than 78,000 lookouts for individuals; it has also stopped over 350 human rights violators and war crime suspects from entering the United States. HSI is the principal investigative arm of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, responsible for investigating transnational crime and threats, specifically those criminal organizations that exploit the global infrastructure through which international trade, travel and finance move. HSI’s workforce of over 10,400 employees consists of more than 6,800 special agents assigned to 225 cities throughout the United States, and 93 overseas locations in 56 countries. HSI’s international presence represents DHS’ largest investigative law enforcement presence abroad and one of the largest international footprints in U.S. law enforcement. Members of the public who have information about foreign nationals suspected of engaging in human rights abuses or war crimes are urged to call the HSI tip line at 866-DHS-2423 (866-347-2423). Callers may remain anonymous.

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HOUSTON — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Houston Field Office arrested eight noncitizen sex offenders from Oct. 21-Nov. 4 during a national operation targeting unlawfully present individuals who have previously been convicted of sex offenses.The arrests were made under Operation SOAR, an acronym for Sex Offender Arrest and Removal. This coordinated fugitive operations initiative prioritizes the arrest and removal of unlawfully present convicted sex offenders. Seven of the eight individuals arrested during Operation SOAR in the Houston area have previously been convicted of sex offenses involving minors. “The individuals apprehended in the Houston area during this operation have not only demonstrated a complete lack of respect for our nation’s immigration laws, but they have also shown to be a significant public safety threat to our communities,” said Matt Baker, acting field office director for ERO Houston. “By conducting targeted immigration enforcement operations to locate and arrest these individuals, we fulfill our unyielding commitment to uphold our nation’s immigration laws, and hopefully bring some peace of mind to their victims.” The SOAR arrests made by ERO Houston during the operation included: A 41-year-old previously removed Mexican national arrested in Cleveland, Texas, who was convicted of felony indecency with a child through sexual contact in Alexander County, North Carolina. A 24-year-old previously removed Salvadoran national arrested in Houston who was convicted of indecent exposure to a minor in Harris County, Texas. A 42-year-old Uruguayan national arrested in Houston who was previously convicted of felony sexual assault of a child in Fort Bend County, Texas. A 50-year-old Mexican national arrested in Winnie, Texas, who was previously convicted of felony sexual exploitation of a minor in Chambers County, Texas. A 42-year-old Honduran national arrested in Galveston, Texas, who was previously convicted of felony indecency with a child through sexual contact in Galveston County, Texas. A 49-year-old Mexican national arrested in Houston who was previously convicted of indecency with a child through sexual contact in Harris County, Texas. A 49-year-old Mexican national arrested in Houston who was previously convicted of sexual assault in Harris County, Texas. A 20-year-old Guatemalan national arrested in Houston who was previously convicted of indecent exposure to a minor in Harris County, Texas. ICE targets and arrests noncitizens who have committed crimes and other individuals who have violated our nation’s immigration laws. Officers make case decisions in a responsible manner, informed by their experience as law enforcement professionals and in a way that best protects against the greatest threats to the homeland. All those in violation of immigration law may be subject to arrest and detention, and if found removable by final order, removed from the United States. Noncitizens placed into removal proceedings receive their legal due process from federal immigration judges in the immigration courts, which are administered by the Executive Office for Immigration Review. EOIR is an agency within the U.S. Department of Justice and is separate from the Department of Homeland Security and ICE. Immigration judges in these courts make decisions based on the merits of each individual case. ICE officers carry out the removal decisions federal immigration judges make. In fiscal year 2021, ERO arrested 12,025 individuals with aggravated felony convictions. Offenses associated with noncitizens arrested in FY 2021 included 1,506 homicide related offenses, 3,415 sexual assaults, 19,549 assaults, 2,717 robberies and 1,063 kidnappings. Members of the public can report crimes and suspicious activity by dialing 866-347-2423 or completing the online tip form. Learn more about ERO Houston’s mission to increase public safety in your community by following us on Twitter @EROHouston.

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DENVER — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations officers in Denver apprehended two unlawfully present noncitizens convicted of sex offenses, including those with executable final orders of removal, during a nationwide enforcement effort from Oct. 22 through Nov. 4.“Sexually violent predators, especially those who hurt children, have no place in our community,” said acting Field Office Director Jesus M. Rocha. “We will continue to target unlawfully present noncitizens with egregious criminal convictions for removal from the U.S. in an effort to keep communities safe.” This enforcement operation was implemented to address unlawfully present noncitizens convicted of sex offenses. Cases amenable to federal criminal prosecution may be presented to the appropriate U.S. attorney’s office. Those arrested include: A 58-year-old citizen of Mexico in Holyoke, Colorado convicted in July 2018 of two counts of misdemeanor sexual contact-victim who was helpless by the Weld County District Court in Greeley, Colorado. The court ordered the noncitizen to register as a sex offender and they will remain in ICE custody pending removal proceedings. A 30-year-old citizen of Mexico in Fort Collins, Colorado convicted in January 2022 of felony child abuse negligently causing significant bodily injury by the Larimer County District Court in Fort Collins, Colorado. The court ordered the noncitizen to register as a sex offender and they will remain in ICE custody pending removal proceedings. ICE officers make case decisions in a responsible manner, informed by their experience as law enforcement professionals and in a way that best protects against the greatest threats to the homeland. Noncitizens placed into removal proceedings receive their legal due process from federal immigration judges in the immigration courts, which are administered by the Executive Office for Immigration Review. EOIR is an agency within the U.S. Department of Justice and is separate from the Department of Homeland Security and ICE. Immigration judges in these courts make decisions based on the merits of each individual case. ICE officers carry out the removal decisions federal immigration judges make. In fiscal year 2021, ERO arrested 12,025 individuals with aggravated felony convictions. Offenses associated with noncitizens arrested in FY 2021 included 1,506 homicide related offenses, 3,415 sexual assaults, 19,549 assaults, 2,717 robberies and 1,063 kidnappings. Members of the public can report crimes and suspicious activity by dialing 866-347-2423 or completing the online tip form. Learn more about ICE’s mission to increase public safety in your community on Twitter @ERODenver.

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DETROIT — Officers with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations Detroit Field Office apprehended six unlawfully present noncitizens convicted of sex offenses during a nationwide enforcement effort Oct. 22 through Nov. 4. The law enforcement action ERO conducted resulted in a total of 138 arrests nationally, including some with an executable final order of removal.“This operation, carried out by ERO Detroit deportation officers, is essential to public safety across Michigan and Ohio,” said Matthew Putra, acting field office director for ERO Detroit. “Our communities are safer now that these offenders who prey on the innocent and who commit acts of sexual violence are off our streets.” This enforcement operation was implemented to address unlawfully present noncitizens convicted of sex offenses. Cases amenable to federal criminal prosecution may be presented to the appropriate U.S. attorney’s office. Individuals listed here will remain in ICE custody pending immigration proceedings. Arrested in the Detroit Field Office area of responsibility, which includes Michigan and Ohio: A 33-year-old citizen of Bhutan in Cincinnati, convicted by the Butler County Court of Common Pleas of felony gross sexual imposition and misdemeanor sexual imposition. A 28-year-old citizen of Democratic Republic of the Congo in Grand Rapids, Michigan, convicted by the 17th Judicial Circuit Court for Kent County on two counts of fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct. A 40-year-old citizen of the Dominican Republic in Columbus, Ohio, convicted by the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas of felony pandering sexually oriented matter involving a minor. A 39-year-old citizen of Mexico in Grand Rapids, Michigan, convicted by the 17th Judicial Circuit Court for Kent County of possession of child sex abuse material and surveilling an unclothed person. A 37-year-old citizen of Mexico in Cincinnati, convicted by the Hamilton County Court of Common Pleas of six counts of felony gross sexual imposition. A 24-year-old citizen of Cameroon in Troy, Michigan, convicted by the 6th Circuit Court in Pontiac, Michigan of fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct. ICE officers make enforcement decisions on a case-by-case basis in a professional and responsible manner, informed by their experience as law enforcement officials and in a way that best protects against the greatest threats to the homeland. ICE officers apply prosecutorial discretion when making apprehension and removal decisions, as do law enforcement officers in different agencies and offices throughout the country. Noncitizens placed into removal proceedings receive their legal due process from federal immigration judges in the immigration courts, which are administered by the Executive Office for Immigration Review. EOIR is an agency within the U.S. Department of Justice and is separate from the Department of Homeland Security and ICE. Immigration judges in these courts make decisions based on the merits of each individual case. ICE officers carry out the removal decisions federal immigration judges make. In fiscal year 2021, ERO arrested 12,025 individuals with aggravated felony convictions. Offenses associated with noncitizens arrested in FY 2021 included 1,506 homicide related offenses, 3,415 sexual assaults, 19,549 assaults, 2,717 robberies and 1,063 kidnappings. ICE’s ERO directorate upholds U.S. immigration law at, within and beyond our borders. ERO's work is critical to the enforcement of immigration law against those who present a danger to our national security, are a threat to public safety, or who otherwise undermine the integrity of our immigration system. ERO operations target public safety threats, such as convicted criminal noncitizens and gang members, as well as individuals who have otherwise violated our nation's immigration laws, including those who illegally reentered the country after being removed and immigration fugitives ordered removed by federal immigration judges.

ERO deportation officers assigned to Interpol also assist in targeting and apprehending foreign fugitives or Fugitive Arrest and Removal cases who are wanted for crimes committed abroad and who are now at-large in the United States. ERO manages all aspects of the immigration enforcement process, including identification and arrest, domestic transportation, detention, bond management, and supervised release, including alternatives to detention. In addition, ERO removes noncitizens ordered removed from the U.S. to more than 170 countries around the world. Members of the public can report crimes and/or suspicious activity by dialing 866-347-2423 or completing the online tip form. Learn more about ICE’s mission to increase public safety in your community on Twitter @ERODetroit.

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HOUSTON — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations Houston Field Office arrested eight noncitizen sex offenders from Oct. 21-Nov. 4 during a national operation targeting unlawfully present individuals who have previously been convicted of sex offenses.The arrests were made under Operation SOAR, an acronym for Sex Offender Arrest and Removal. This coordinated fugitive operations initiative prioritizes the arrest and removal of unlawfully present convicted sex offenders. Seven of the eight individuals arrested during Operation SOAR in the Houston area have previously been convicted of sex offenses involving minors. “The individuals apprehended in the Houston area during this operation have not only demonstrated a complete lack of respect for our nation’s immigration laws, but they have also shown to be a significant public safety threat to our communities,” said Matt Baker, acting field office director for ERO Houston. “By conducting targeted immigration enforcement operations to locate and arrest these individuals, we fulfill our unyielding commitment to uphold our nation’s immigration laws, and hopefully bring some peace of mind to their victims.” The SOAR arrests made by ERO Houston during the operation included: A 41-year-old previously removed Mexican national arrested in Cleveland, Texas, who was convicted of felony indecency with a child through sexual contact in Alexander County, North Carolina. A 24-year-old previously removed Salvadoran national arrested in Houston who was convicted of indecent exposure to a minor in Harris County, Texas. A 42-year-old Uruguayan national arrested in Houston who was previously convicted of felony sexual assault of a child in Fort Bend County, Texas. A 50-year-old Mexican national arrested in Winnie, Texas, who was previously convicted of felony sexual exploitation of a minor in Chambers County, Texas. A 42-year-old Honduran national arrested in Galveston, Texas, who was previously convicted of felony indecency with a child through sexual contact in Galveston County, Texas. A 49-year-old Mexican national arrested in Houston who was previously convicted of indecency with a child through sexual contact in Harris County, Texas. A 49-year-old Mexican national arrested in Houston who was previously convicted of sexual assault in Harris County, Texas. A 20-year-old Guatemalan national arrested in Houston who was previously convicted of indecent exposure to a minor in Harris County, Texas. ICE targets and arrests noncitizens who have committed crimes and other individuals who have violated our nation’s immigration laws. Officers make case decisions in a responsible manner, informed by their experience as law enforcement professionals and in a way that best protects against the greatest threats to the homeland. All those in violation of immigration law may be subject to arrest and detention, and if found removable by final order, removed from the United States. Noncitizens placed into removal proceedings receive their legal due process from federal immigration judges in the immigration courts, which are administered by the Executive Office for Immigration Review. EOIR is an agency within the U.S. Department of Justice and is separate from the Department of Homeland Security and ICE. Immigration judges in these courts make decisions based on the merits of each individual case. ICE officers carry out the removal decisions federal immigration judges make. In fiscal year 2021, ERO arrested 12,025 individuals with aggravated felony convictions. Offenses associated with noncitizens arrested in FY 2021 included 1,506 homicide related offenses, 3,415 sexual assaults, 19,549 assaults, 2,717 robberies and 1,063 kidnappings. Members of the public can report crimes and suspicious activity by dialing 866-347-2423 or completing the online tip form. Learn more about ERO Houston’s mission to increase public safety in your community by following us on Twitter @EROHouston.

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PEARSALL, Texas — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations San Antonio Field Office removed an unlawfully present foreign fugitive who is wanted for homicide in his home country of Mexico.Jose Sanchez Macias, a 36-year-old unlawfully present Mexican national, was transported by ICE officers Nov. 10 from the South Texas ICE Processing Center in Pearsall to the Eagle Pass International Bridge II in Eagle Pass, Texas. Sanchez was walked to the international line and turned over to Mexican law enforcement officials without incident. On May 10, 2017, Sanchez illegally entered the U.S. in Eagle Pass without inspection or parole and was apprehended by U.S. Border Patrol. On that same date, Sanchez was charged with violation 8 USC § 1324, Bringing in and harboring certain aliens. On Feb. 1, 2018, the U.S. District Court, Western District of Texas, Del Rio Division, convicted Sanchez of conspiracy to transport illegal aliens and sentenced him to nine months’ confinement. On February 12 that year, ERO San Antonio took custody of Sanchez and served him with a final administrative removal order. The next day, ERO San Antonio removed Sanchez from the U.S. to Mexico. On Aug. 6, 2018, Homeland Security Investigations arrested Sanchez in Eagle Pass after determining he was illegally present in the United States. HSI transferred custody of Sanchez to USBP for processing. USBP served Sanchez with a Notice of Intent/Decision to Reinstate Prior Order. USBP also charged SANCHEZ with violation of 8 USC § 1324(a)(1)(A)(v)(I), conspiracy to enter, transport or harbor aliens. On Oct. 24, 2019, the U.S. District Court, Western District of Texas, Del Rio Division, convicted Sanchez of conspiracy to harbor illegal aliens and sentenced him to 48 months’ confinement. On Oct. 13, 2022, ERO San Antonio received notification from USMS that Sanchez was wanted by Mexican law enforcement authorities for homicide. On Nov. 4, ERO San Antonio received custody of Sanchez and transferred him to the South Texas ICE Processing Center to await his removal. “This was a great example of the collaboration we maintain with our local, federal and international partners which allow ERO to highlight the extensive work involved when securing significant arrests and handing over wanted fugitives to foreign law enforcement officials,” said Denice Seemiller, acting field office director, San Antonio Field Office. Members of the public who have information about foreign fugitives are urged to contact ICE by calling the ICE Tip Line at 866-347-2423 or internationally at 001-1802-872-6199. They can also file a tip online by completing ICE’s online tip form. For more news and information on how the ERO San Antonio Field Office carries out its immigration enforcement mission in Central Texas, follow us on Twitter @EROSanAntonio.

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BELLEVUE, Neb. — Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Kansas City Katherine Greer and Acting United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Jacob R. Price, 38, of Bellevue, was sentenced Nov. 17 in federal court by Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter Jr. to 168 months’ imprisonment for receipt of child pornography following a joint HSI, law enforcement partner investigation.There is no parole in the federal system. After his release from prison, Price will begin a five-year term of supervised release and will be required to register as a sex offender. On Nov. 9, 2020, Officers with the Bellevue Police Department were dispatched to a residence in Bellevue. Upon arrival, officers were informed that the reporting party found a video of a naked minor on a cellphone previously used by Price. Officers forensically analyzed the cellphone’s contents and located a video showing a minor getting undressed. The video showed Price covertly placing the cellphone in the minor’s bedroom for purposes of videoing the minor while she was naked. The cellphone also contained additional thumbnail images of unknown minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct that Price downloaded from the internet. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc. This case was investigated by HSI and the Bellevue Police Department. Homeland Security Investigations HSI is a directorate of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the principal investigative arm of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, responsible for investigating transnational crime and threats, specifically those criminal organizations that exploit the global infrastructure through which international trade, travel and finance move. HSI’s workforce of over 10,400 employees consists of more than 6,800 special agents assigned to 225 cities throughout the United States, and 93 overseas locations in 56 countries. HSI’s international presence represents DHS’ largest investigative law enforcement presence abroad and one of the largest international footprints in U.S. law enforcement. Learn more about HSI’s mission to combat child exploitation in your community on Twitter @HSIKansasCity.

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WASHINGTON — Enforcement and Removal Operations officers apprehended 138 unlawfully present noncitizens convicted of sex offenses, including those with an executable final order of removal, during a nationwide enforcement effort from Oct. 22 through Nov. 4.“Crimes of sexual violence are among the most underreported in the United States — anyone can be a victim of this type of abuse, and our officers are dedicated to locating and apprehending known noncitizen offenders as part of their public safety mission,” said ERO Executive Associate Director Corey A. Price. “ERO will continue efforts such as these to remove unlawfully present individuals who have committed crimes against the innocent so they cannot continue to harm vulnerable populations within our communities.” This enforcement operation was implemented to address unlawfully present noncitizens convicted of sex offenses. Cases amenable to federal criminal prosecution may be presented to the appropriate U.S. attorney’s office. Among those arrested: A 65-year-old citizen of Mexico in La Puente, California, convicted by the Superior Court in Pomona of continuous sexual abuse of a child in March 2022 A 61-year-old citizen of Mexico in Richland, Washington, convicted by the Benton County Superior Court of child molestation in January 2020 A 50-year-old citizen of Mexico in Winnie, Texas, convicted by the Chambers County District Attorney’s Office of sexual performance by child in August 2022 A 49-year-old citizen of Guatemala in Chicago, convicted by the Cook County Circuit Court of predatory criminal sexual assault of a minor in October 2017 A 49-year-old citizen of Cameroon in Front Royal, Virginia, convicted by the Circuit Court in Prince George County of sexual abuse of a minor in June 2022 A 44-year-old citizen of Haiti in Queens Village, New York, convicted by the Queens County Supreme Court of rape in the second degree, promoting prostitution in the second degree and promoting prostitution in the third degree in September 2017 A 42-year-old citizen of Bolivia in Levittown, New York, convicted by the Nassau County Court of first-degree rape in April 2002 A 36-year-old citizen of Nicaragua in El Monte, California, convicted by the Superior Court in Los Angeles of assault with intent to rape, robbery in the second degree, and rape with force/violence/fear of bodily injury in March 2015 A 35-year-old citizen of Mexico in Jourdanton, Texas, convicted by the 144th District Court of Bexar County of aggravated sexual assault of child in July 2019 A 29-year-old citizen of the Democratic Republic of the Congo in Milwaukee, convicted by the Milwaukee County Circuit Court of second-degree sexual assault of a child in March 2022 ICE targets and arrests noncitizens who have committed crimes and other individuals who have violated our nation’s immigration laws. Officers make case decisions in a responsible manner, informed by their experience as law enforcement professionals and in a way that best protects against the greatest threats to the homeland. All those in violation of immigration law may be subject to arrest, detention and — if found removable by final order — removed from the United States. Noncitizens placed into removal proceedings receive their legal due process from federal immigration judges in immigration courts, which are administered by the Executive Office for Immigration Review. EOIR is an agency within the U.S. Department of Justice and is separate from the Department of Homeland Security and ICE. Immigration judges in these courts make decisions based on the merits of each individual case. ICE officers carry out the removal decisions made by the federal immigration judges. In Fiscal Year 2021, ERO arrested 12,025 individuals with aggravated felony convictions. Offenses associated with noncitizens arrested in FY 2021 included 1,506 homicide related offenses, 3,415 sexual assaults, 19,549 assaults, 2,717 robberies and 1,063 kidnappings. Members

of the public can report crimes and suspicious activity by dialing 866-347-2423 or completing the online tip form. Learn more about ICE’s mission to increase public safety in your community on Twitter @ICEgov.

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BALTIMORE — Deportation Officers from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Baltimore field office arrested a 36-year-old Togolese national with a lengthy criminal record. The officers from ERO Baltimore’s Criminal Apprehension Program apprehended Goudjo Kossi Mensah-Tohonou in Greenbelt, Maryland, Aug. 26.Mensah-Tohonou’s criminal history includes convictions for theft, robbery with a deadly weapon, drug possession with intent to distribute and second-degree assault. His record also contains numerous other weapons and drug convictions. “As long as Goudjo Kossi Mensah-Tohonou was allowed to walk the streets of Maryland, he represented a constant threat to its residents,” said Field Office Director Lyle Boelens of ERO Baltimore. “He has been convicted of numerous crimes, some of them violent ones. The dedicated officers who make up ERO have proven time and time again that we are committed to the arrest and removal of any unlawfully present criminal who is looking to harm the law-abiding citizens we have sworn to protect.” Mensah-Tohonou evaded an attempted apprehension Aug. 25, when ERO officers went to his former address. After receiving a tip, ERO Baltimore made the apprehension the next day. Mensah-Tohonou entered the United States on an unknown date, at an unknown location, and without being inspected or admitted by an immigration official. ERO Baltimore officers first encountered Mensah-Tohonou May 31, 2012. at the Montgomery County Detention Center in Rockville, Maryland, where he was incarcerated and later convicted on drug offenses. On Aug. 14, 2012, the Montgomery County Detention Center turned over Mensah-Tohonou to ERO custody. On Sept. 17, 2013, Mensah-Tohonou was ordered removed and denied all relief by an immigration judge with the Justice Department’s Executive Office for Immigration Review. On Mar. 25, 2014, ICE enrolled him in the Alternatives to Detention Program with an Order of Supervision. Mensah-Tohonou absconded and became an ICE fugitive. On Aug. 26, 2022, ICE arrested him in Greenbelt, Maryland, and he will remain in ERO custody pending removal. Noncitizens placed into removal proceedings receive their legal due process from federal immigration judges in the immigration courts, which are administered by EOIR. EOIR is an agency within the U.S. Department of Justice and is separate from the Department of Homeland Security and ICE. Immigration judges in these courts make decisions based on the merits of each individual case. ICE officers carry out the removal decisions made by the federal immigration judges. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Alternative to Detention program, which began in 2004, uses technology and case management to ensure noncitizen compliance with release conditions, court hearings and final orders of removal. The program allows for closer monitoring of non-detained noncitizens at varying levels of supervision, using several different monitoring technologies. ATD effectively increases court appearance rates, compliance with release conditions and helps the participants meet their basic needs and understand their immigration obligations. Those who do not report are subject to arrest and potential removal.  In Fiscal Year 2021, ERO arrested 12,025 individuals with aggravated felony convictions. Offenses associated with noncitizens arrested in FY 2021 included 1,506 homicide related offenses, 3,415 sexual assaults, 19,549 assaults, 2,717 robberies, and 1,063 kidnappings. Enforcement and Removal Operations ICE’s ERO directorate upholds U.S. immigration law at, within and beyond our borders. ERO's work is critical to the enforcement of immigration law against those who present a danger to our national security, are a threat to public safety or who otherwise undermine the integrity of our immigration system. ERO operations target public safety threats, such as convicted criminal noncitizens and gang members, as well as

individuals who have otherwise violated our nation's immigration laws, including those who illegally reentered the country after being removed and immigration fugitives ordered removed by federal immigration judges. ERO deportation officers assigned to Interpol also assist in targeting and apprehending foreign fugitives or fugitive arrest and removal cases of those who are wanted for crimes committed abroad and who are now at-large in the United States. ERO manages all aspects of the immigration enforcement process, including identification and arrest, detention, bond management, supervised release, and transportation and removal. In addition, ERO repatriates noncitizens ordered removed from the U.S. to more than 170 countries around the world. ERO and its workforce are responsible for managing a safe, orderly, and humane immigration enforcement process. Learn more about ICE ERO’s mission to remove fugitives from the community on Twitter @EROBaltimore. Members of the public can report crime and suspicious activity by calling 1-866-347-2423 or completing the ICE tip form.

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KANSAS CITY, Mo. — For more than two decades, Homeland Security Investigations Kansas City has protected the public from crimes of victimization and strategically targeted and investigated individuals and networks that engage in child exploitation. Recently, the United Nations officially declared Nov. 18 to be the World Day for the Prevention of and Healing from Child Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Violence. The U.N. proclaimed the day to shine a light on child sexual exploitation and abuse and bring together stakeholders, such as HSI, from around the world to prevent it.HSI Kansas City’s goal is to protect children from exploitation by predators involved in the production, distribution and possession of child sexual abuse material throughout Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska. What makes HSI unique from other law enforcement agencies is its broad legal authority to conduct federal criminal investigations into illegal cross-border movement of people, goods, money, technology and other contraband throughout the United States. HSI utilizes its authority to investigate a wide array of transnational crime, including transnational gang activity, child exploitation, and human smuggling and trafficking. HSI’s victim-centered approach to these investigations has led to the identification or rescue of thousands of victims of child sexual exploitation. “HSI’s special agents and victim assistance specialists place equal value on identifying and stabilizing victims while simultaneously investigating those who are suspected of engaging in child exploitation,” said Special Agent in Charge of HSI Kansas City Katherine Greer. “But we need the community’s help to increase awareness and to report signs of potential abuse.” “HSI’s Project iGuardian is a great place to find valuable resources that can be used to educate parents, trusted adults and caregivers,” continued Greer. “Utilizing the resources found there, coupled with public engagement, are great steps toward increased protection of children and teens from predators.” But education and awareness are not the only things that help protect minors. HSI is also committed to holding those who exploit children accountable for their actions. “The Child Exploitation Investigations Unit (CEIU) employs the latest technology to collect evidence and track the activities of individuals and organized groups who sexually exploit children using websites, chat rooms, peer-to-peer trading, and other internet-based platforms; we have had cases where predators exploited thousands of minors across the world – child exploitation is a major issue that permeates every landscape in America,” said Daniel Kenny, CEIU acting unit chief. “If someone breaches your trust or threatens to exploit you or a loved one, it is not your fault and there is help available. We use cutting edge investigative techniques to bring consumers, producers, and distributors of child sexual exploitation material, as well as to predators engaging in transnational child sexual abuse, to justice.” Several laws increase the probability that sexual predators who harm children will suffer severe consequences, including the Mann Act, the 1994 Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Act, the 2003 Protect Act and the 2006 Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act. Additionally, federal law bars U.S. residents from engaging in sexual or pornographic activities anywhere in the world with a child under 18. Those convicted in the United States face significant penalties, as seen in the following recent HSI Kansas City child exploitation cases: HSI encourages the public to report suspected child predators and any suspicious activity through its toll-free Tip Line at 866-347-2423 or by completing an online tip form. Both are staffed around the clock by investigators. From outside the U.S. and Canada, callers should dial 802-872-6199. Hearing impaired users may call TTY 802-872-6196. HSI is a directorate of ICE and the principal investigative arm of the U.

S. Department of Homeland Security, responsible for investigating transnational crime and threats, specifically those criminal organizations that exploit the global infrastructure through which international trade, travel and finance move. HSI’s workforce of over 10,400 employees consists of more than 6,800 special agents assigned to 225 cities throughout the United States, and 93 overseas locations in 56 countries. HSI’s international presence represents DHS’ largest investigative law enforcement presence abroad and one of the largest international footprints in U.S. law enforcement. Learn more about HSI’s mission to combat child exploitation in your community on Twitter @HSIKansasCity.

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MIAMI — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Enforcement and Removal Operations Miami Field Office, with support from ERO Honduras and its Security Alliance for Fugitive Enforcement taskforce, removed a foreign fugitive wanted in Honduras for homicide.Honduran national Luis Fernando Lopez-Avila, 22, was flown from Miami International Airport on a flight coordinated by ICE’s Air Operations Unit. Upon his Nov. 11 arrival, the fugitive was turned over to the Honduran National Police. Lopez-Avila entered the U.S. at an unknown place and on an unknown date without being admitted or paroled by an immigration official. On Aug. 22, Florida’s St. John’s County Sheriff’s Office arrested Lopez-Avila for possession of marijuana and driving without a valid license. During immigration proceedings, he was found inadmissible, a violation of the Immigration and Nationality Act, and was ordered removed by an immigration judge. Officials determined that Lopez-Avila had an active arrest warrant for homicide in Honduras. “This individual unlawfully entered the U.S. despite the fact that he was wanted in connection with homicide in his home country,” said ERO Miami Field Office Director Garrett Ripa. “The removal of this criminal serves as proof that our nation will not be a safe haven for fugitives who seek to evade justice. Returning him to Honduran law enforcement should empower Honduran citizens to seek the justice they deserve for crimes committed against them.” Enforcement and Removal Operations is focused on smart, effective immigration enforcement that protects the homeland through the arrest and removal of those within the United States who undermine the safety of our communities and the integrity of our immigration laws. Immigration enforcement is the largest single area of responsibility for ERO, and is a critical component of the overall safety, security and well-being of our nation. ERO manages all aspects of the immigration enforcement process, including identification and arrest, detention, bond management, supervised release, and transportation and removal. In addition, ERO repatriates noncitizens ordered removed from the U.S. to more than 170 countries around the world. ERO and its workforce are responsible for managing a safe, orderly and humane immigration enforcement process. Learn more about ICE’s ERO in your community @EROMiami.