NEW YORK — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) New York deportation officers arrested four individuals in two days, each after being released from local custody with an active immigration detainer.

"The release of criminal aliens back on New York City streets continues to pose an dangerous risk to our communities,” said Thomas Decker, field office director for ERO New York. “ICE remains committed to arresting and removing criminal aliens in the interest of public safety and national security, despite the city’s decision to not honor detainers and jeopardize the safety of its citizens.”

A 22-year-old citizen of Spain who illegally entered the country was arrested by the New York Police Department (NYPD) in March 2017 on local criminal charges. On that same date, ERO deportation officers lodged an immigration detainer with the NYPD’s Queens Central Booking. The 22-year-old was later released from New York City custody without the detainer being honored and without notification to ICE. On Dec. 12, ERO deportation officers arrested him in Kew Gardens, New York on immigration violations. He is currently detained in ICE custody pending a removal hearing before an immigration judge.

A 45-year old Dominican citizen was arrested by the New York Police Department (NYPD) in June 2017 on local charges. On that same date, ERO deportation officers lodged an immigration detainer with the NYPD’s Bronx Central Booking. This individual was later released from New York City custody without the detainer being honored and without notification to ICE. In August 2002, The 45-year-old was arrested on immigration charges by the U.S. Border Patrol, in West Palm Beach, Florida. In May 2003, he was ordered removed by an immigration judge. In March 2007, he was convicted of felony criminal possession/manufacture/distribution of a controlled substance on school grounds. In April 2009, the individual was convicted of felony criminal sale of a controlled substance (heroin) on school grounds. On Dec. 12, ERO deportation officers arrested him in the Bronx, New York on the outstanding warrant of removal. He is currently detained in ICE custody pending removal to the Dominican Republic.

A 38-year-old citizen of Mexico was arrested by the New York Police Department (NYPD) in Sept. 2017 on local charges. On that same date, ERO deportation officers lodged an immigration detainer with the NYPD’s Brooklyn Central Booking. He was later released from New York City custody without the detainer being honored and without notification to ICE. On Dec. 11, ERO deportation officers arrested him in Brooklyn, New York on immigration charges. He is currently detained in ICE custody pending a removal hearing before an immigration judge.

A 20-year-old citizen of China was arrested by the New York Police Department (NYPD) in July 2017 on local charges. On that same date, ERO deportation officers lodged an immigration detainer with the NYPD’s Richmond Central Booking. The individual was later released from New York City custody without the detainer being honored and without notification to ICE. On Dec. 11, ERO deportation officers arrested him in Staten Island, New York, on immigration charges. He is currently detained in ICE custody pending a removal hearing before an immigration judge.

ICE continues to prioritize its resources to enhance public safety and border security, which is demonstrated by the Fiscal Year 2017 data, which reflects that 92 percent of aliens ICE administratively arrested between January 20, 2017 and the end of FY2017, were removable aliens who had a criminal conviction or a pending criminal charge, were an ICE fugitive, or were an illegal re-entrant.