The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona has charged 161 people with immigration-related crimes in the last week, according to a Department of Justice press release.
These violations included illegally reentering the United States and smuggling activities that exacerbate the issue of illegal immigration.
The crackdown is part of Operation Take Back America, an effort to combat illegal immigration and disrupt cartel operations.
The cases filed comprised 79 counts of illegal re-entry and 71 counts of first-time unlawful entry, as well as 11 more persons accused of smuggling aliens around Arizona.
ICE, Border Patrol, and the FBI, among others, supported the cases.
Authorities highlighted specific individuals in highlighting the week’s events, including Isidro Calleros-Sotelo, who was charged with reentry after removal, and Mario Alberto Rodriguez-Herrera, who was charged with transporting an illegal alien and visa fraud after misleading law enforcement about his immigration status with a fraudulent LAPR card, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona.
Another prominent instance was that of Ricardo Daniel Villalobos-Cardenas, who was charged with alien smuggling, claimed to be the caretaker of a stash house, and was involved in moving unauthorized immigrants inside the state. The announcement goes on to say that, while these are severe charges, all defendants have the right to the assumption of innocence unless proven guilty in court.