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From NationalLedger.com

Crime Beat
Feds Capture Illegal Alien Murderer, "Mexico's Most Wanted"
By Jim Kouri
Sep 25, 2006




A career criminal alien featured on Mexico's “Most Wanted” list was apprehended in the US on Friday. The arrest was made by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the US Marshals Service, the Franklin County Sheriff's Department, and the Ohio Adult Parole Authority.

Julio Ernesto Cobian-Ariaza, 27, a citizen of Mexico, was nabbed in Dublin, Ohio, after the Southern Ohio Fugitive Apprehension Strike Team (SOFAST) received information indicating that an outstanding Mexican Fugitive Warrant of Apprehension was issued for Ariaza, who was known to be in the area.

Ariaza who was convicted of attempted murder in the United States, is wanted in Mexico for his connection to two homicides and two attempted homicides committed there.

ICE special agents conducted database checks revealing a lengthy criminal history on Ariaza in America, including convictions for attempted murder, assault with a firearm, and street terrorism (gang activity). Ariaza has street gang ties to the Little Brook Street Gang based in California.

The database checks additionally revealed that Ariaza was deported twice to Mexico, first in May 1999 and again as an aggravated felon in September 2001. It is a felony to reenter the United States punishable by up to 20 years in prison.

Ariaza was arrested under ICE's Operation Community Shield, national operation launched by ICE in February 2005 to dismantle violent street gangs with foreign-born members. Since its inception, Operation Community Shield has resulted in arresting more than 3,400 gang members nationwide, which represent 370 gangs.

“This case is a prime example of how federal, state and local law enforcement agencies work together seamlessly to take an alleged murderer off the streets of America, so he can be brought to justice in his homeland,” said Brian M. Moskowitz, special agent in charge of the ICE Office of Investigations in Detroit.

“We will not hesitate to use our Nation's immigration laws in our continued efforts to protect the American people from violent criminals who do not belong in this country.” Moskowitz' area of responsibility includes the States of Ohio and Michigan.

“I am pleased with the collaborative effort from the Southern Ohio Fugitive Apprehension Strike Team (SOFAST) and the Department of Homeland Security. Diligent investigation and sound tactics made locating and apprehending this fugitive possible,” said US Marshal, Southern District of Ohio, James Wahlrab.

Ariaza remains in ICE custody pending his removal to Mexico.

Jim Kouri, CPP is currently fifth vice-president of the National Association of Chiefs of Police and he's a staff writer for the New Media Alliance



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