Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers arrested 117 illegal immigrants during a weeklong enforcement operation across East Tennessee, targeting individuals with criminal convictions and prior deportation histories, according to a Daily Wire report.
The operation took place from May 24 through May 31 and involved ICE officers working alongside local law enforcement agencies throughout the Smoky Mountain region.
Video released from the operation showed federal agents conducting predawn and overnight arrests in heavy rain and darkness as suspects were taken into custody across multiple locations.
At one point, footage also appeared to show bags of suspected narcotics displayed on the hood of a vehicle during an enforcement action.
ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations New Orleans Acting Field Office Director Brian Acuna said the operation focused on individuals who posed public safety concerns.
“This enforcement operation demonstrates our commitment to protecting the safety of the community and its visitors,” Acuna said.
“By focusing our enforcement efforts on individuals who pose the greatest risk, and with the support of our 287(g) partners, we help ensure Tennessee communities remain safe for residents and tourists.”
Local officials credited cooperation between federal and local authorities for the operation’s success.
Sevierville Police Deputy Chief Sam Hinson said the department’s partnership with ICE is helping improve public safety throughout the region.
“Our partnership is working to create safer streets, protect families, and ensure Sevierville, Sevier County, and East Tennessee remain great places to live, work and enjoy,” Hinson said.
Among those arrested was Honduran national Jose Omar Euceda-Moreno, 37, whom ICE said had been arrested five times for driving under the influence. According to the agency, his criminal history includes convictions for DUI, domestic assault, drug possession and probation violations.
Federal officers also detained Denis Ariel Cabrera Castillo, an 18-year-old Honduran national previously arrested on charges including solicitation of a minor, rape of a child, interference with an emergency call and attempted sexual battery. ICE said he later pleaded guilty to attempted aggravated sexual battery and received a six-year prison sentence.
Another individual arrested was Katherine Michelle Ocampo Figueroa, a 29-year-old Honduran national who had previously been deported from the United States. According to ICE, her criminal history includes an aggravated assault arrest and a theft conviction.
Agents also took into custody Gerson Alberto Dempster, a 54-year-old Honduran national previously arrested for felony cocaine possession, public intoxication and driving without a license, according to federal officials.
The operation highlights the continued emphasis the Trump administration has placed on interior immigration enforcement during the president’s second term.
White House border czar Tom Homan recently told the Washington Examiner that federal immigration authorities have made more than 641,000 arrests and carried out over 800,000 deportations since President Donald Trump returned to office.
Federal officials said partnerships established through the 287(g) program, which allows trained local law enforcement agencies to assist with certain immigration enforcement functions, continue to play a significant role in identifying and apprehending individuals subject to removal.
[h/t The Daily Wire]
