By Tiffany Williams –
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations in Newark, New Jersey, conducted a significant week-long operation from December 9 to December 13, 2024, resulting in the arrest of 33 noncitizens deemed dangerous to public safety. This surge operation was a targeted effort focusing on those individuals who posed particular risks due to their criminal histories.
The officers of ERO Newark specifically aimed to apprehend noncitizens who had been charged with or convicted of serious offenses. These included felonies or misdemeanors related to domestic violence, sexual abuse or exploitation, burglary, unlawful possession or use of a firearm, drug distribution or trafficking, and driving under the influence (DUI). Additionally, the operation targeted noncitizens with executable final orders of removal who had unlawfully re-entered the United States after prior deportation.
Among those arrested during this operation were:
– An unlawfully present national from Brazil currently facing aggravated assault charges.
– An unlawfully present individual from the Dominican Republic with a criminal record that includes convictions for aggravated manslaughter and obstructing law enforcement.
– An unlawfully present national from the Dominican Republic who has been convicted of multiple serious offenses, including sexual assault, criminal sexual contact, and endangering the welfare of a child.
– An unlawfully present individual from Costa Rica with pending charges related to animal cruelty, admission to animal fighting, and possession of animal fighting paraphernalia.
– An unlawfully present national from Mexico convicted of sexual assault against a minor, specifically a victim aged between 13 and 15 years.
– An unlawfully present individual from Brazil who is currently facing pending charges that include making terroristic threats, harassment, and multiple weapons-related offenses.
– An unlawfully present national from Brazil who has previously been convicted of murder.
In the broader context of immigration enforcement, shortly after President Trump assumed office, the Justice Department signaled a more stringent approach to immigration policies. This included an announcement aimed at prosecuting local officials who resist Federal immigration enforcement directives, marking a shift toward increased federal authority in immigration matters.
President Trump also took decisive action to bolster security at the southern border by preparing to deploy 1,500 active-duty troops. This military buildup comes alongside new directives for Border Patrol agents, which instruct them to deny entry to asylum seekers who passed through countries experiencing communicable disease outbreaks, effectively creating barriers for those seeking refuge.
The Department of Defense (DOD) confirmed the mobilization of these troops along with additional air and intelligence assets to support ongoing enforcement operations in the region. This announcement was made less than 36 hours after President Trump issued an executive order directing DOD to respond to the ongoing situation at the border.
To ensure swift implementation of border-related directives, the Pentagon has assembled a task force, with U.S. Northern Command leading the effort and receiving support from U.S. Transportation Command, the National Guard Bureau, various military branches, and the Department of Homeland Security.
The troop deployment will begin with an initial focus on installing physical barriers and other critical border operations, as stated by a senior military official. This additional military presence consists of 1,000 Army soldiers and 500 Marines, who were initially on standby in Southern California to assist in wildfire combat efforts in Los Angeles County.
With 2,500 active-duty personnel already stationed in the area, this new deployment represents a substantial 60% increase in ground forces since President Trump’s inauguration.
Alongside the increase in troops, the DOD is tasked with providing airlift capabilities to facilitate the deportation of over 5,000 individuals detained by Customs and Border Protection in border sectors like San Diego and El Paso, Texas. To support these operations, Transcom will deploy two C-130 Hercules aircraft and two C-17 Globemaster aircraft.
Adding to the operational support, UH-72 Lakota military helicopters began their missions in support of CBP on the same day. Furthermore, the DOD is coordinating with the State Department to secure diplomatic visas and ensure host-nation notifications for deported individuals, according to a senior defense official.
The DOD is also mobilizing intelligence analysts to support operations at the border. While there are currently no detailed plans available for future activities, officials have indicated that additional border enforcement missions are likely to develop in the coming weeks and months.