Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) recently arrested 31 individuals at a cockfighting event in San Juan, Puerto Rico. This operation, announced in a press release, highlights ongoing efforts to address illegal immigration in the region.
According to ICE, three of the individuals arrested face criminal charges for organizing the illegal cockfight. The agency emphasized that this operation is part of a broader initiative under a Presidential Executive Order aimed at combating illegal immigration in Puerto Rico. Rebecca González-Ramos, the Special Agent in Charge of ICE Homeland Security Investigations in San Juan, stated that local partnerships are crucial for maintaining community safety.
ICE’s focus extends beyond immigration enforcement; the agency is also concerned with public safety and national security. Individuals found to be illegally present in the U.S. during such operations may be detained and processed for removal, as outlined by law.
The agency noted that those arrested are currently in custody and awaiting deportation. ICE collaborated with several agencies, including the FBI, the DEA, and local law enforcement, to carry out this operation.
This crackdown in Puerto Rico has intensified since Donald Trump took office, with ICE recently targeting a Dominican community in San Juan that was known as a “sanctuary” area. The agency’s actions have drawn attention and sparked discussions about immigration policies and enforcement in the region.