During the week of September 6-12, the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona charged 215 individuals with immigration-related charges as part of a major enforcement effort. Prosecutors announced in a press statement that they were targeting various infractions, including 99 charges for illegal re-entry and just as many for first-time illegal admissions into the US.
To underscore the determination to vigorously enforce immigration law, police charged 16 people with transporting immigrants across the border. Among these activities, police accused one person of attacking a federal official, underscoring the inherent risks in border security operations. According to the US Attorney’s Office, these cases were supported by a coalition of federal agencies, including ICE, Border Patrol, the DEA, and the FBI.
According to the news release, Jose Eulice Arredondo-Duran was among those caught up in this sweep and charged with reentry as a deported alien. Arredondo-Duran’s prior expulsion occurred following felony narcotics convictions in Nevada. Along with him, Isaia David Ralph Gutierrez and Shay Nicole Fernandez were charged with transporting an illegal alien during a traffic stop that revealed an individual from Mexico hiding in their vehicle.
Robin Estuardo Perez Ramos was charged with assaulting a federal officer, which highlights the dangers that law enforcement faces. The alleged assault occurred following ICE authorities’ effort to detain Perez Ramos, who had previously been ordered removed from the country. The U.S. Attorney’s Office described a dangerous confrontation in which Perez Ramos’ actions caused significant damage and increased the likelihood of arrest.
All of this is part of “Operation Take Back America,” a wide Department of Justice operation aimed at reducing the flow of illegal immigration while also targeting cartels and criminal organizations. According to the statement, a criminal complaint is only an accusation, and all defendants are assumed innocent unless proven guilty.