Statement by Secretary Johnson Congratulating ICE ERO on the Arrest of 82 Priority Targets in New Jersey

Statement

I congratulate the Newark Field Office of ICE's Enforcement and Removal Operations for the surge operation conducted December 5-9. This operation resulted in the arrest of 82 priority targets for removal, and every arrest was of a convicted criminal who was among our highest priorities for removal, as set forth in my enforcement priorities memorandum issued in November 2014. The 82 individuals arrested include those convicted of murder, robbery, criminal sexual contact with a child, endangering the welfare of a child, child abuse, aggressive assault, narcotics distribution, larceny, possession of a weapon and domestic violence.

This operation in New Jersey is the perfect example of our current removal priorities at work: increased focus on convicted criminals and threats to public safety. Throughout my three years as Secretary, I have encouraged ERO to view its mission as one of law enforcement and public safety, and I am pleased that ERO has responded so effectively.

I also thank and congratulate CBP's New Jersey Field Office, the New Jersey State Parole Office, the U.S. Marshals Service, ICE Homeland Security Investigations, and the FBI for supporting this surge operation.

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