ICE arrests 24 'sexual predators' amid 'five-day operation'

Authorities with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested 24 sex offenders during the span of just five days, according to a press release which noted that ICE's Enforcement and Removal Operations Los Angeles Field Office nabbed the individuals during an operation that was conducted last month.

"Those arrested had criminal histories or convictions for sexual abuse. Several individuals are registered sexual offenders," ICE reported. "Everyone taken into custody is currently being detained pending the completion of removal proceedings, criminal prosecution, or removal from the United States."

The government agency included a list that detailed disturbing records of heinous acts.

"In December 2020, the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles, convicted the individual of felony lewd and lascivious acts with a child under 14," ICE said regarding a 24-year-old citizen of Guatemala.

Regarding a 23-year-old Mexican individual, ICE noted, "In July 2011, the Superior Court of California, County of Orange, convicted the noncitizen of felony sodomy by use of force/injury."

Regarding a 37-year-old citizen of Mexico, ICE noted, "In August 2017, the Superior Court of California, County of Ventura, convicted this noncitizen of felony kidnapping, felony anal and genital penetration, and felony assault with deadly weapon."

"In November 2018, the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles, convicted this noncitizen of felony lewd and lascivious acts upon a child," the press release noted regarding a 44-year-old Salvadoran individual.

The ICE press release also noted, "The arrestees who are not being federally criminally prosecuted are being detained in ICE custody and will be processed administratively for removal from the United States. Those arrestees who have outstanding orders of removal are subject to immediate removal from the country. The remaining individuals are in ICE custody awaiting a hearing before an immigration judge."