U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers arrested 33 foreign nationals across West Michigan during a four-day sting this week.
According to an ICE press release, 28 men and five women were taken into custody in Grand Rapids. Nearly 80 percent of those arrested carried prior convictions with charges varying from criminal sexual conduct, child abuse/neglect and identity theft, among other violations.
The nationals arrived in West Michigan from four countries: Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, and Liberia.
Some of the individuals who were arrested will be present for federal prosecution for re-entry after deportation, which carries a felony for up to 20 years. Those who will not be prosecuted will be deported back to their home country.
“Operations like this one demonstrate ICE’s continued focus on the arrest of dangerous criminal aliens as well as those who enter the United States illegally,” said Rebecca Adducci, field office director for ERO in Detroit. “I’m grateful to serve with the men and women of ICE who selflessly put themselves in harm’s way to protect the communities we live and work in.
