More than 100 arrested in ICE operation

More than 100 arrested in ICE operation targeting illegal alien fugitives and immigration violators in Las Vegas area

LAS VEGAS -- A total of 109 immigration violators from a dozen different nations have been arrested here during the past six days by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) as part of Operation Return to Sender, an ongoing ICE initiative targeting criminal aliens, foreign nationals with final orders of deportation, and other immigration violators.

As of today, more than 35 of the foreign nationals taken into custody during this latest operation have been removed from the United States. The remaining aliens are in ICE custody and are awaiting a hearing before an immigration judge. Some of those targeted as part of the enforcement action are immigration fugitives, illegal aliens who have ignored final orders of deportation issued by immigration judges.

More than half of those taken into custody during Operation Return to Sender, 57, have criminal records, including past convictions for robbery, assault, drug violations, and sex offenses. Among those arrested was Jesus Millan-Soto, a 41-year-old Mexican national who has been deported twice and had prior criminal convictions for weapons and narcotics charges. ICE is seeking to have Millan federally prosecuted for felony re-entry after deportation, a charge that carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.