KNOXVILLE, TN - A U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operation in the Smoky Mountains led to 117 arrests for crimes including assault, DWI and attempted aggravated sexual battery.
ICE New Orleans, in partnership with federal, state and local law enforcement, arrested 117 illegal immigrants during a targeted enforcement operation in East Tennessee from May 24 to May 31, according to a press release. Officials made the criminal and administrative arrests in Sevier County and surrounding areas.
Some of those arrested may face additional criminal charges for illegal entry into the United States. "This enforcement operation demonstrates our commitment to protecting the safety of the community and its visitors,” said Enforcement and Removal Operations New Orleans acting Field Office Director Brian Acuna.
Some of the illegal immigrants who were arrested include: Jose Omar Euceda-Moreno, 37, of Honduras; Denis Ariel Cabrera Castillo, 18, of Honduras; Katherine Michelle Ocampo Figueroa, 29, of Honduras; and Gerson Alberto Dempster, 54, of Honduras.
Euceda-Moreno was arrested five times for driving under the influence and has been convicted twice of driving under the influence, domestic assault, drug possession and probation violation.
Castillo was arrested for solicitation of a minor/rape of a child, interference with an emergency call and attempted sexual battery. He pleaded guilty to attempted aggravated sexual battery and was sentenced to six years in prison.
Figueroa was previously removed from the United States. Her criminal history includes an aggravated assault arrest and theft conviction. Dempster was arrested for felony possession of cocaine, public intoxication and driving without a license.
"In partnership with ICE and other area law enforcement agencies, the Sevierville Police Department is working to create safer streets, protect families, and ensure Sevierville, Sevier County, and East Tennessee remain great places to live, work and enjoy,” said Sevierville Police Deputy Chief Sam Hinson.
ICE can immediately remove illegal immigrants with final orders of removal, who re-entered the United States after removal. Those without final orders of removal will remain in ICE custody pending immigration court proceedings. ICE conducts routine daily immigration enforcement around the country to arrest criminal illegal immigrants and other immigration violators with no legal basis to remain in the United States, according to the press release.
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