ICE Targets South American Theft Group in Arizona Burglary Cases

ICE Targets Criminal Aliens Immigration and Customs Enforcement has issued seven detainers for the removal of illegal immigrants involved in recent burglaries across Tempe and Mesa, Arizona. The detainers point to action against individuals who allegedly participated in these crimes last week.

Arrests Linked to Organized Theft The suspects are reportedly associated with a South American Theft Group. They were apprehended by the Scottsdale Police Department after committing burglaries on May 23 in the Phoenix metropolitan area. Law enforcement officials arrested the group while they were staying at a short-term rental property.

Official Statements “Under Secretary Noem’s leadership, criminal illegal aliens are being held accountable for victimizing Americans,” stated Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. Her statement highlights the ongoing commitment of ICE to combat crime by illegal immigrants.

Understanding the Criminal Network The group involved has been linked to previous burglaries in California, Oregon, and Washington. McLaughlin emphasized that ICE collaborates with local law enforcement agencies nationwide to dismantle such organized crime groups. She added, “We will not allow criminal illegal aliens to terrorize American communities.” The arrests follow efforts to tackle the growing issue of property crimes committed by such organizations.

Profiles of the Suspects The individuals named in the detainers are Nicolas Rojas Leon, 23; Joan Sebastian Orozco-Vargas, 26; Andres David Sanchez-Novoa, 38; Natalia Isabella Ortiz-Daza, 26; Martha Juliana Echiverri-Guzman, 28; Lady Johanna Gueito, 32; and Angie Paola Hernandez-Manrique, 25. According to the Department of Homeland Security, this group primarily operates out of California but has its origins in Colombia.

Collaboration Between Law Enforcement Agencies Law enforcement in Scottsdale received a tip from the Burbank Police Department in California on May 20. This tip detailed the group’s criminal activities and provided vehicle descriptions to assist Scottsdale’s police in locating the suspects. Notably, one of the burglaries in California involved the theft of a French Bulldog, which authorities report will be returned.

The Nature of the Criminal Threat South American Theft Groups are notorious for their presence in affluent communities throughout California, Arizona, and other states. These groups typically engage in sophisticated and coordinated burglaries, often referred to as “dinner-time burglaries,” where homes are targeted while residents are present.

A Call for Action There has been increasing bipartisan pressure for reforms in the visa waiver program, particularly regarding South American theft groups, including those originating from Chile. Legislators emphasize the need to address the criminal implications of this immigration issue.

Judicial Responses and Community Safety Following the arrests, each suspect has been held at the Maricopa County Jail, awaiting trial on numerous criminal charges. They are subject to cash-only bonds set at $150,000. The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office noted the link between immigration enforcement and criminal investigations. County Attorney Rachel Mitchell highlighted the federal responsibilities regarding potential deportation but did not elaborate on specific details about the suspects’ cases.

Impacts on Public Safety As communities express concerns about crime rates, the involvement of national law enforcement underscores a concerted effort to enhance public safety. Scottsdale Police reported a commitment to maintaining safety while ensuring compliance with federal immigration law.

Next Steps in Enforcement The impact of ICE’s actions reinforces the agency’s role in safety and law enforcement. The ongoing cooperation with local police establishes a framework for handling similar cases in the future. The situation continues to evolve as authorities monitor the outcomes of these arrests and subsequent legal proceedings.

Continuing Vigilance Required As the situation unfolds, communities across the region remain watchful. Local residents are encouraged to report any suspicious activities and support ongoing law enforcement efforts to protect their neighborhoods. Cooperation between federal and local authorities is crucial in combating organized crime and ensuring safety.

Final Thoughts The arrests of the South American Theft Group not only highlight the need for robust law enforcement but also bring to the forefront discussions about immigration policy and crime. As agents continue their work, the balance between community safety and legal immigration concerns remains a pivotal topic in the region.