NEWARK, N.J. – A citizen of Costa Rica was removed from the United States Nov. 1, by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO). Upon the man’s arrival in Costa Rica, he was turned over to local authorities by ICE ERO officers.

Jose Alberto Orozco-Ramirez, 48, was the subject of an Interpol warrant for rape against a minor. He entered ICE custody May 26. Orozco-Ramirez was originally admitted to the United States as a nonimmigrant B-2 visitor June 3, 2003, but exceeded his stay.

“This removal further illustrates ICE ERO’s steadfast commitment to addressing threats to national security, border security, and our public safety,” said ERO Newark Field Office Director John Tsoukaris. “ICE works closely with domestic and international law enforcement partners to ensure individuals such as Mr. Orozco-Ramirez are removed from the U.S.”

Since Oct. 1, 2009, ERO has removed foreign fugitives from the United States who were sought in their native countries for serious crimes, including kidnapping, rape and murder. ERO works with the ICE’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Office of International Operations, foreign consular offices in the United States, and Interpol to identify foreign fugitives illegally present in the United States.

Interpol, the world's largest international police organization with 188 member countries, facilitates international police cooperation. Being the subject of an Interpol warrant is not a presumption of guilt.

Members of the public who have information about foreign fugitives are urged to contact ICE by calling the toll-free ICE tip line at 1 (866) 347-2423 or internationally at 001-1802-872-6199. They can also file a tip online by completing ICE’s online tip form.