PHILADELPHIA – On Feb. 18, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) officers arrested an illegally present Jamaican man, who was released from Philadelphia custody, despite the presence of an ICE immigration detainer filed with local authorities.

On Jan. 13, 2006, Kirk Odain Anthony Golding, 26, was admitted into the United States in New York as a non-immigrant visitor with authorization to remain in the United States until July 12, 2006; however, Golding failed to depart the United States as required.

Golding was convicted in Philadelphia for possession of marijuana in 2014 and driving under the influence of alcohol in 2018.

On Jan. 30, 2020, the Philadelphia Police Department arrested Golding for the criminal offense of possession with intent to distribute narcotics, possession of narcotics, possession of drug paraphernalia, and possession of an instrument of crime.

On Feb. 1, 2020, the Philadelphia prison system released him back into the community despite the active ICE immigration detainer.

ERO Philadelphia arrested Golding and he remains in ICE custody pending immigration proceedings before a federal immigration judge.

Sanctuary Policies Put Public Safety at Risk