Federal immigration officers recently apprehended two female immigrants, both previously convicted of crimes against children, in operations conducted in New Jersey and Texas. This action is part of a broader effort by authorities to prioritize the removal of violent offenders from the United States.
These arrests underscore the government’s ongoing commitment to protecting vulnerable populations, particularly children. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) emphasizes the importance of public safety and the need to hold accountable individuals who have been found guilty of serious crimes.
Key Developments
- Gladys Leticia Bustamente-Rios, from Honduras, was arrested after previously being deported and barred from reentering the U.S.
- Maria Alejandra Gamarro-Quinonez, from Guatemala, was taken into custody following child endangerment charges and violation of her visa.
- Both women are currently held in ICE custody as they await removal proceedings.
Full Report
Bustamente-Rios’ Background
Gladys Leticia Bustamente-Rios entered the United States unlawfully in 1997 and was subsequently charged with assault and a family offense, leading to her imprisonment for five years. An immigration judge ordered her removal in 1998, preventing her from reentering. She was deported in 1999 but later faced legal consequences for illegally reentering the country. Last month, federal officers located her at her residence, and she remains in custody as her removal process continues.
Details on Gamarro-Quinonez
Maria Alejandra Gamarro-Quinonez originally arrived in the U.S. on a visitor visa but overstayed her leave since April 27, 2007. After being arrested for theft in New Jersey, she was granted release on bail with a scheduled court appearance for immigration proceedings. However, on November 10, 2023, she was arrested in Texas while complying with probation related to her child endangerment charges. She will remain in ICE custody pending her removal hearing.
Context & Previous Events
The DHS’s recent operations highlight a renewed focus on deporting individuals deemed dangerous, particularly those with violent criminal histories. This trend aligns with past initiatives under various administrations aimed at enhancing community safety by targeting criminal illegal aliens.
