Agents Arrest 81 Illegal Aliens in Kentucky Operation

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested 81 illegal aliens during an enhanced targeted enforcement operation March 10 to 14 which included multiple federal law enforcement agencies in Kentucky, with 25 of the aliens charged with criminal offenses including illegal reentry, illegal possession of firearms, and illegal possession of controlled substances.

Illegal aliens who were not charged criminally will be held in ICE custody pending removal proceedings.

Arrests included illegal aliens from Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Cuba, India and Palau.

Among those arrested during the operation include:

• A 35-year-old citizen of Honduras charged with possession of a firearm by an illegal alien and illegal reentry.
• A 50-year-old citizen of Mexico charged with possession of a firearm by an illegal alien.
• A 30-year-old citizen of Mexico charged with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking and possession of a firearm by an illegal alien.
• A 45-year-old citizen of Guatemala convicted of domestic violence conviction, public intoxication, driving without a license, and DUI.
• A 44-year-old citizen of India convicted of sexual misconduct with a minor, intimidation, and battery.
• A 28 -year-old citizen of Mexico charged with possession of a firearm by an illegal alien.
• A 32-year-old citizen of Mexico convicted of drug trafficking, possession of multiple firearms with machine gun conversion devices who is charged with possession of a firearm by an illegal alien and illegal reentry.

“Public safety relies on the expertise of ICE officers who are able to coordinate across federal agencies to accomplish these arrests,” said ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Chicago Field Office Director Sam Olson. “Operations that lead to the arrest and detention of alien offenders can be complex and may, at times, prove to be challenging. Our agency is more than capable to meet those challenges. I’m grateful for all our federal partners here in the Commonwealth of Kentucky and we are committed, as a united group, to removing individuals from our communities who pose a threat to public safety and national security.”

Partner law enforcement participating in the operation included the FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Marshals Service and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Criminal charges by indictment or criminal complaint are pursued by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Western District of Kentucky and the Eastern District of Kentucky.