Federal immigration authorities reported that they arrested 206 illegal alien offenders during a targeted enforcement operation across Maine that lasted less than a week.
The arrests targeted individuals with serious criminal histories and occurred from January 20 to 24, according to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
“The early success of this operation displays how effectively ICE officers can operate anywhere and in any environment,” ICE Deputy Assistant Director Patricia Hyde said in a news release. “Our officers arrested more than 200 alien offenders in less than a week despite the organized efforts from activist groups, radical politicians and protestors to thwart our activities. ICE will not be deterred from enforcing U.S. immigration law.”
Hyde noted that officers encountered interference, including instances where agitators alerted the public to unmarked ICE vehicles, forcing agents to abandon pursuits of certain targets. One such case involved a known drug trafficker.
The operation unfolded amid heightened risks for agents, with assaults on officers rising more than 1,300% and threats increasing over 8,000%, The Dallas Express previously reported.
Among those detained were several with prior convictions or charges for violent or drug-related crimes, including the following:
- Dominic Ali, from Sudan, convicted of false imprisonment, aggravated assault, assault, obstructing justice, and violation of a protective order.
- Ambessa Berhe, from Ethiopia, convicted of aggravated assault and cocaine possession.
- Franck Takakon, from Congo, charged with domestic violence.
- Alain Uwacu, from Rwanda, convicted of assault.
- Elmara Correia, from Angola, previously arrested for endangering the welfare of a child.
- Juliet Horton, from Uzbekistan, convicted once of mail fraud, twice for operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol, and three times for probation violations.
- Omar Montesinos, from Mexico, convicted of resisting arrest and driving while impaired.
- Dany Lopez-Cortez, from Guatemala, convicted of operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol.
- Jaime Teo-Tenas, a 45-year-old from Guatemala, convicted of operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol.
- Patricio Armijos, from Ecuador, convicted of operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol.
The public can report suspicious activity or crimes to ICE by calling 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or using the online tip form. Additional details on the agency’s public safety efforts in Maine are available on X at@EROBoston and @HSINewEngland.
