68 illegal aliens and 2 U.S. citizens arrested in New Orleans following a joint investigation between ICE and the Gretna Police Department

NEW ORLEANS, La.—Sixty-eight illegal aliens and two U.S. citizens were arrested here this weekend during a joint law enforcement operation between U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Gretna Police Department (GPD).

The public safety operation targeted violent criminal aliens living in New Orleans neighborhoods. These arrests are part of ICE’s ongoing enforcement initiative to remove those who have no legal right to remain in the country and who pose a threat to our community.

Of the 68 individuals arrested, 12 were criminal aliens, nine had illegally re-entered the United States after having been deported, and three had outstanding warrants of removal. Some of the individuals arrested have been convicted of violent crimes including domestic violence, theft and drug possession.

Among those arrested was Dixis Florencio Figueroa-Murillo, 32, a Honduran national who illegally re-entered the country. Figueroa-Murillo possessed a counterfeit Social Security card and a counterfeit green card. He has convictions for domestic abuse and battery. The U.S. Attorney’s Office has accepted the case for prosecution. Figuero-Murillo will be prosecuted for illegally re-entering the United States for a third time and for possession and use of counterfeit documents.

Also arrested was 26-year-old Roberto Reyes-Casillas, a Mexican national convicted for burglary, unlawful possession of burglary tools and burglary with intent to commit a felony. He too faces criminal charges for illegally re-entering the country.

The two U.S. citizens arrested by the Gretna Police Department were charged with burglary and theft. Three additional illegal aliens were charged with possession with intent to distribute cocaine.

“There is no room for individuals who are a menace to our communities,” said Michael A. Holt, special agent-in-charge of ICE in New Orleans. “These individuals need to know that we are committed to ensuring public safety, and we’re prepared to keep the pressure on through aggressive law enforcement actions. We will use the full range of ICE authorities available, to seek out, prosecute and remove dangerous criminals from our streets.”

The 68 individuals who were arrested in this operation are citizens of Mexico, Honduras, Peru and El Salvador

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