stanforddams/biglocal huggingface dataset:
April 30, 2026High Point, NC, United StatesEnforcement and Removal

ICE asks North Carolina jail to turn over illegal alien child sex predator

The woman — a Romanian alien — has been convicted of sexually abusing a middle-school boy

HIGH POINT, N.C. — ICE lodged an immigration detainer against Rebeca Fratila-Ilies, of Romania, on April 17. Fratila-Ilies was convicted of two counts of carnal knowledge of a child and statutory rape and sentenced to 10 years in Staunton, Virginia, but officials there released her from prison early. Police in North Carolina arrested her March 12, 2025, for a probation violation, and the Guilford County Sheriff’s Office notified ICE Charlotte that it had the sex offender in custody.

“ICE lodged an immigration detainer against Fratila-Ilies with Guilford County April 17, asking them not to release this child predator back into the community,” said ICE Director Todd M. Lyons. “Fratila-Ilies is a lawful permanent resident, but she’s been convicted of sex crimes against a child, which means she’s amenable to removal. She’s currently in removal proceedings and ICE is standing by to deport her upon a Department of Justice immigration judge’s order.”

Fratila-Ilies came to the United States as a child and was granted a green card in 2006. Immigration officials later determined that her mother had filed a fraudulent asylum case — meaning that Fratila-Ilies’ lawful permanent resident status, which was derived from her mother’s fraudulent asylum case, was invalid. An immigration judge ordered her removed in absentia in 2017, but she appealed the decision and an immigration judge granted her relief from removal in 2022. That relief was granted before her sex offense convictions.

She remains in police custody pending the outcome of her probation violation case.

Learn more about immigration detainers and follow ICEgov on X, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, Bluesky or Truth Social.

Updated: 04/30/2026
Follow Us

@HSI_Charlotte

February 25, 2025Fayetteville, NC, United StatesEnforcement and Removal

ICE assists Fayetteville Police Department with arrest of an alien charged with 3 murders

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement assisted the Fayetteville Police Department in the arrest and interview of Mackendy Darbouze, a 26-year-old citizen and national of Haiti, on Feb. 21. Police responded to a 911 call at a residence, and a search revealed three deceased individuals and a bloody knife. Darbouze was arrested by the responding officers.

ICE was contacted and responded immediately to assist with the interview of Darbouze as he only spoke Creole and was unable to be interviewed in English. The interview was completed using ICE interpreter and translation services, and Darbouze was charged with three counts of first-degree murder.

Darbouze entered the United States legally in July 2024. He was transported to the Cumberland County Jail. ICE has placed a detainer on him.

This is a joint investigation with ICE and the Fayetteville Police Department.

Learn more about ICE’s mission to increase public safety in North and South Carolina communities on X: HSI_Charlotte.

Updated: 06/13/2025
April 14, 2025Savannah, GA, United StatesFirearms, Ammunition and Explosives, Enforcement and Removal

ICE, ATF capture fugitive wanted for murder in the Caribbean

SAVANNAH, Ga. — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement announced the capture of a fugitive wanted for murder who escaped custody twice in the Caribbean. Orville Andrew Pernell, a 32-year-old Jamaican citizen was apprehended by ICE Homeland Security Investigations and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives special agents in Savannah, Georgia following an extensive investigation and multinational manhunt April 4.

Pernell, is accused of committing a brutal murder in St Lucia in 2020 and had been a fugitive for several years. He escaped from custody in St Lucia during his murder trial and fled to Jamaica. In 2021, he was arrested in Jamaica and escaped from custody there as well. U.S. Border Patrol agents encountered Pernell on Dec. 7, 2022, near San Ysidro, California, after he attempted to enter the United States using a fake identity. He was paroled into the country and given a notice to appear.

In July of 2023, Pernell was arrested by the Clayton County Sheriff in Clayton County, Georgia for the possession of a stolen motorcycle and attempting to evade arrest. During the arrest, police discovered a stolen 9mm handgun.

“We are committed to tracking down fugitives who pose a serious threat to public safety, no matter where they may try to hide,” said ICE HSI Special Agent in Charge Atlanta Steven N. Schrank, who also covers Georgia and Alabama. “This operation highlights our ongoing work to dismantle criminal networks and bring violent individuals to justice. We are thankful for our local, state, and international law enforcement partners who helped us secure this arrest.”

ICE HSI, working alongside the ATF, located and arrested Pernell after their investigation led them to the Savannah area. He was taken was taken into custody without incident. Pernell faces charges for being an alien in possession of weapon and after he is extradited back to St Lucia he will stand trial for murder.

ICE HSI Caribbean, Bridgetown and Kingston provided significant contributions to the investigation and were instrumental in the success of the operation. ICE HSI prioritizes the apprehension of fugitives involved in violent crimes, particularly those who have fled to the U.S. to evade justice.

The public is encouraged to report any information regarding fugitives or illegal activity to the ICE Tip Line by dialing 1-866-DHS-2-ICE (1-866-347-2423) or completing the online tip form.

Updated: 04/14/2025
Follow Us

@HSIAtlanta

April 4, 2025Atlanta, GA, United StatesWorksite Enforcement

ICE Atlanta unveils results of labor trafficking operation

ATLANTA – U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, in collaboration with the FBI, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, the Bartow County Sheriff’s Office, and other key law enforcement partners, executed a federal search warrant at Wellmade Performance Flooring and multiple residences in the Bartow County area March 26, as part of an ongoing criminal investigation.

This operation targeted allegations of labor trafficking involving foreign nationals, as well as financial crimes linked to the employer’s business practices.

As a result of the evidence uncovered during the operation, Wellmade Industries' owner, Zhu Chen, and nephew, Jiayi Chen were arrested on state charges for trafficking persons for labor servitude. Additionally, dozens of victims employed at Wellmade Performance Flooring were rescued from labor exploitation.

“This operation underscores our steadfast commitment to combat labor trafficking and hold accountable those who exploit vulnerable individuals for profit,” said ICE Homeland Security Investigations Atlanta Special Agent in Charge Steven N. Schrank, who also oversees Georgia and Alabama. “The arrests of Zhu Chen and Jiayi Chen, along with the rescue of numerous victims, reflect the tireless efforts of HSI and our law enforcement partners. We will continue to leverage all available resources to dismantle these criminal networks and bring perpetrators to justice.”

HSI urges anyone with information related to labor exploitation, human trafficking, or financial crimes to contact law enforcement through the ICE Tip Line at 1-866-347-2423 or email HSI-DALTON-TIPS@hsi.dhs.gov. Your assistance is crucial in protecting vulnerable individuals and ensuring justice is served.

For more information about HSI’s work, please follow us on X: @HSIAtlanta.

Updated: 06/13/2025
Follow Us

@HSIAtlanta and @EROAtlanta

May 20, 2025Mobile, AL, United StatesWorksite Enforcement

ICE Atlanta worksite enforcement operation results in illegal alien arrests, 2 unaccompanied minors found

MOBILE, Ala. – U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement found two unaccompanied minors and five adult illegal aliens during a worksite enforcement operation at a subdivision in Theodore May 15.

ICE Homeland Security Investigations special agents found that the minors, both from Guatemala, had entered the United States in 2023 as unaccompanied children. Border Patrol transferred both UACs to the custody of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Refugee Resettlement.

At the worksite enforcement encounter, it was discovered that neither UAC was enrolled in school nor had any relatives in the area. ICE referred the two UACs to the custody of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Refugee Resettlement.

The five adult illegal aliens encountered during the operation were citizens and nationals of Guatemala and Mexico, one of the adults has two previous removals from the United States. All five illegal alien adults are in ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations custody pending immigration proceeds and removals.

For more news and information on ICE’s efforts to enforce our nation’s immigration laws and bolster public safety, national security and border security, follow us on X at @HSIAtlanta and @EROAtlanta.

Members of the public can report crimes and suspicious activity by dialing 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or completing the online tip form.

Updated: 06/13/2025
Follow Us

@HSILosAngeles

March 6, 2025Los Angeles, CA, United StatesFinancial Crimes

ICE ATM/EBT fraud operation yields 15 arrests in Orange County

LOS ANGELES – From March 1-2, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Orange County and its Los Angeles El Camino Real Financial Crimes Task Force, along with multiple law enforcement partners, conducted county wide operations targeting Romanian organized theft rings and other criminals responsible for conducting numerous unauthorized ATM transactions utilizing counterfeit/cloned EBT cards at various financial institutions in Orange County. During this operation, ICE and local police identified and arrested 15 individuals for the violation of federal law involving the use/manufacturing of an access device with the intent to defraud. In addition to the federal arrests, two state arrests were also made for subjects involved in EBT fraud. Approximately 42 counterfeit/cloned EBT cards and bulk U.S. currency was seized pursuant to the operation. The cases were presented to the United States Attorney's Office in the Central District of California and District Attorney’s Office for both federal and state prosecution.

“This type of fraud that is occurring in our communities cannot be combatted alone,” said ICE Homeland Security Investigations Los Angeles acting Special Agent in Charge John Pasciucco. “Our El Camino Real Financial Crimes Task Force and HSI Orange County’s collaboration with our federal, state and local partners is paramount to effectively stopping ATM and EBT fraud.”

Operational partners included the Diplomatic Security Service, Health & Human Services Office of Inspector General, Los Angeles, District Attorney’s Office, California Department of Social Services, Orange County District Attorney's Office, Westminster Police Department, Inglewood Police Department, California Highway Patrol, Garden Grove Police Department, El Monte Police Department, Orange Police Department, Huntington Beach Police Department, La Habra Police Department, Cypress Police Department and the Brea Police Department.

Indictments contain allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

Anyone with information on ATM/EBT fraud are encouraged to call the ICE Tip Line at 1-866-DHS-2-ICE.

Learn more about ICE HSI’s mission to protect the U.S. economy in your community on X at @HSILosAngeles.

Updated: 06/13/2025
Follow Us

@EROBaltimore

February 7, 2025Baltimore, MD, United StatesEnforcement and Removal

ICE Baltimore arrests Salvadoran MS-13 member with weapons conviction in Maryland

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement apprehended a Salvadoran alien convicted of possession of a loaded handgun when officers with arrested German Ronal Del Cid Carranza, 33, Feb. 4, in Silver Spring, Maryland. Del Cid is a validated MS-13 gang member.

BALTIMORE — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement apprehended a Salvadoran alien convicted of possession of a loaded handgun when officers with arrested German Ronal Del Cid Carranza, 33, Feb. 4, in Silver Spring, Maryland. Del Cid is a validated MS-13 gang member.

“The swift and flawless apprehension of this violent MS-13 gang member is a testament to the dedication and expertise of our officers. MS-13 has been deemed a foreign terrorist organization, and individuals like Del-Cid, convicted of carrying a deadly handgun, pose a direct and ongoing threat to our Maryland residents,” said ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Baltimore acting Field Office Director Matthew Elliston. “It is our top priority to arrest and remove egregious criminals. I commend our officers for their unwavering dedication to upholding public safety, ensuring that dangerous criminals are removed from our communities and brought to justice.”

Del Cid lawfully entered the United States in Washington, D.C., Dec. 11, 2010, and later violated the terms of his lawful admission.

The Prince George's County Police Department arrested Del Cid Sept.8, 2022, for possession of a loaded handgun. The Circuit Court of Maryland for Prince George's County convicted Del Cid March 18, 2023, for possession of a loaded handgun and sentenced him to incarceration for two years.

Del Cid remains in ICE custody.

Members of the public can report crimes and suspicious activity by dialing 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or completing the online tip form.

Learn more about ICE’s mission to increase public safety in our Maryland communities on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @EROBaltimore.

Updated: 06/13/2025
February 11, 2025Baltimore, MD, United StatesEnforcement and Removal

ICE Baltimore arrests Uzbekistani man convicted of sex offense in Maryland

BALTIMORE — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement apprehended an Uzbekistani native convicted of fourth-degree sex offense when officers arrested Islom Gaziev, 65, Feb. 4, in Owings Mills, Maryland.

“Every arrest like this means one less predator on our streets today and one less potential victim tomorrow,” said ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Baltimore acting Field Office Director Matthew Elliston. “Our top priority is public safety, and this arrest is yet another example of our commitment to protecting the residents of Maryland. We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that those who pose a threat to our communities are held accountable.”

Gaziev lawfully entered the United States through John F. Kennedy International Airport in Queens, New York, Oct. 20, 2015, and later violated the terms of his lawful admission.

The Westminster Police Department in Westminster, Maryland, arrested and charged Gaziev with fourth-degree sex offense Aug. 20, 2024. The Carroll County Circuit Court convicted Gaziev of fourth-degree sex offense Dec. 13, 2024, and sentenced him to three years supervised probation.

ICE served Gaziev a notice to appear before a Department of Justice immigration judge following his arrest, and he remains in ICE custody.

Members of the public can report crimes and suspicious activity by dialing 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or completing the online tip form.

Learn more about ICE’s mission to increase public safety in our Maryland communities on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @EROBaltimore.

Updated: 02/11/2025
Follow Us

@HSIBaltimore

​

July 1, 2025Baltimore, MD, United StatesNarcotics

ICE Baltimore investigation leads to decade-long prison sentence for Prince George’s County man convicted of drug conspiracy

BALTIMORE — An investigation conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement led to the sentencing of Amos Oluremi Nureni, 43, to 10 years in prison followed by four years of supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

“This sentence sends a clear message: Those who traffic fentanyl, a deadly drug fueling our nation’s overdose crisis, will be held accountable,” said ICE Homeland Security Investigations Baltimore acting Special Agent in Charge Evan Campanella. “In Maryland, we are seeing the devastating impact of fentanyl on our communities every day. Through our strong partnerships with the DEA and the U.S. attorney’s office, HSI will continue to pursue and dismantle the criminal networks responsible for pushing this poison into our neighborhoods. The sentencing of Amos Oluremi Nureni is a direct result of that commitment.”

In September 2023, HSI and the DEA began investigating Nureni in connection with suspected fentanyl trafficking. During the investigation, law enforcement conducted two controlled purchases in which Nureni sold an undercover officer approximately 400 to 500 pills.

The pills were blue in color and imprinted with “M30” — mimicking the markings on legitimate pills from a manufacturer containing oxycodone hydrochloride. As confirmed by laboratory analysis, the blue “M30” pills contained fentanyl. In total, Nureni sold approximately 866 fentanyl pills — or nearly 100 grams of a mixture and substance containing fentanyl — to the undercover officer.

Law enforcement executed a search warrant on Nureni’s Laurel residence March 27, 2024. During the search, law enforcement found a bag containing approximately 10.48 grams (98 pills) of a mixture and substance containing fentanyl and a silver Taurus pistol with an obliterated number in Nureni’s safe. The pistol was loaded with a 9mm round of ammunition in the chamber and a magazine containing six rounds of 9mm ammunition.

Additionally, law enforcement found a large silver and red hydraulic press; a small silver hydraulic press; a digital scale with white powder residue; and several bags containing approximately 6.44 grams (61 pills) of fentanyl, approximately 6.25 grams of cocaine base, approximately 0.859 grams of cocaine, approximately 3.04 grams of cocaine, approximately 3.02 grams of methamphetamine and approximately 1.478 grams of dipentylone in Nureni’s residence.

Campanella, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland Kelly O. Hayes and DEA Washington Special Agent in Charge Ibrar A. Mian announced the sentence.

Members of the public with information about criminal activity should contact the ICE Tip Line at 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423).

Learn more about HSI Baltimore’s mission to increase public safety in our Maryland communities on X at @HSIBaltimore.

Updated: 07/01/2025
Follow Us

@HSIBaltimore

June 4, 2025Baltimore, MD, United StatesDocument and Benefit Fraud

ICE Baltimore investigation leads to sentencing of Maryland man convicted of visa fraud

BALTIMORE – An investigation conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, Maryland; along with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, led to the sentencing of Douglas Anthony Eze, 55, of Upper Marlboro, Maryland, for visa fraud.

Eze was sentenced May 21, to one year and one day in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release.

“Visa fraud isn’t just a paperwork violation; it’s a deliberate abuse of our immigration system and a direct threat to national security and public trust,” said Michael McCarthy, Special Agent in Charge of HSI Maryland. “It undermines the rule of law, facilitates human trafficking and labor exploitation, and disadvantages those who play by the rules to live, work, or study in the United States. When individuals or criminal networks manipulate visa programs for profit or deception, they erode the integrity of our borders, damage America’s global standing, and place additional strain on limited enforcement resources. Combating visa fraud is about more than holding bad actors accountable—it’s about upholding the fairness, safety, and opportunity at the core of the American Dream.”

According to the guilty plea, Eze, who owns Largo Financial Services, illegally entered Canada in 1991 using a fraudulent passport. After Canada issued a deportation order in 1995, Eze fled. In 1997, he resurfaced in the United States, using the name and other identifying information of a Canadian citizen.

Eze, who knew the victim, also took the citizen’s Canadian birth certificate to apply for a green card within the United States. He eventually became a U.S. citizen under the stolen Canadian identity and then changed his last name to Eze.

As a citizen under fraudulent pretenses, Eze adopted and sponsored two children for permanent residence in the United States, falsely declaring the stolen Canadian identity as his own in immigration documents for the children. Eze continued using the victim’s identity to apply for a U.S. passport, driver’s license, and membership in the Global Entry Trusted Traveler Network. The victim never gave Eze permission to use his identifying information.

ICE HSI Baltimore, Special Agent in Charge Michael S. McCarthy, along with Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Washington District announced the sentence.

Members of the public with information about criminal activity in your community are encouraged to contact the Tip Line at 866-DHS-2-ICE or complete the online tip form.

Learn more about HSI Baltimore’s mission to increase public safety in our Maryland communities on X at @HSIBaltimore.

Updated: 06/04/2025
Follow Us

@EROBoston

July 17, 2025Boston, MA, United StatesEnforcement and Removal

ICE Boston arrest leads to conviction for alien who illegally reentered US after deportation

Illegally present Guatemalan was deported on 2 previous occasions

BOSTON – An ICE Boston operation led to an unlawfully present Guatemalan alien pleading guilty in federal court to illegally reentering the U.S. after deportation. Manuel Ruiz-Luis, 52, pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful reentry of a deported alien.

Officers with ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Boston arrested Ruiz, who was illegally residing in New Bedford, March 31, 2025.

“Manuel Ruiz-Luis has displayed a blatant disregard for U.S. immigration laws by illegally reentering the U.S. after having been deported on two previous occasions,” said ICE ERO Boston acting Field Office Director Patricia H. Hyde. “Furthermore, Ruiz-Luis chose to endanger our law-abiding residents by driving his vehicle under the influence of alcohol. ICE Boston will continue to prioritize public safety by arresting and removing criminal alien offenders from our New England neighborhoods.”

Ruiz-Luis was first deported from the U.S. to Guatemala in April 1996 and reentered the U.S. illegally sometime thereafter.

Ruiz-Luis was removed from the U.S. a second time on March 28, 2012. Sometime after his March 2012 removal, Ruiz Luis illegally reentered the U.S. without permission.

Prior to his 2012 removal, Ruiz-Luis had multiple criminal convictions in the U.S. including one for operating under the influence and four separate convictions for operating a motor vehicle without a license.

Ruiz-Luis faces up to two years in prison followed by one year of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000 at his sentencing, which is scheduled for Sept. 18. Furthermore, Ruiz-Luis is subject to deportation upon completion of any sentence imposed.

Members of the public can report crimes and suspicious activity by dialing 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or completing the online tip form.

Learn more about ICE’s mission to increase public safety in our communities on X at @EROBoston.

Updated: 07/22/2025