PHOENIX, AZ – Officers with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Phoenix apprehended two criminal illegal aliens with significant criminal histories in early August during two separate targeted enforcement operations within Arizona, with the convictions of the two ranging from drug charges to sexual abuse.
During the week of August 2, ICE Phoenix conducted two separate enforcement actions within Arizona leading to the apprehensions of 50-year-old Norberto Osornio-Gutierrez and 28-year-old Dinesh Sapkota, two illegal aliens harboring several criminal convictions.
Osornio-Gutierrez, from Mexico, was previously convicted of burglary, traffic violations, and drug charges, including attempted possession with intent to distribute cocaine. He was previously ordered removed back in June of 1996 in Eloy, Arizona, but illegally reentered the United States on numerous occasions, resulting in reinstated removal orders in 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, and 2011.
During the immigration enforcement operation this past August, ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) officers reportedly engaged in a foot pursuit of Osornio-Gutierrez after lawful commands were ignored by the criminal illegal alien. Officials say following the pursuit, Osornio-Gutierrez was taken into custody without further incident.
Sapkota, from Nepal, reportedly entered the country legally back in May of 2016 but overstayed his visa. In 2022, Sapkota was arrested in Flagstaff, Arizona, on numerous charges resulting in him being convicted in 2023 of kidnapping, aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, sexual abuse, and aggravated assault involving a physically restrained victim.
Officials confirmed that Sapkota will remain in ICE custody pending immigration proceedings. ICE Phoenix Field Office Director John Cantú issued a statement regarding the apprehensions of Osornio-Gutierrez and Sapkota, commending the work of the agency’s officers in keeping Arizonans safe.
“ICE officers in Arizona continue to prioritize the arrest and removal of individuals who violate U.S. immigration law and pose a threat to public safety. These arrests reflect the professionalism and commitment of our officers, who carry out lawful immigration enforcement operations every day to help keep Arizona communities safe,” Director Cantú stated.
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