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2h ago

ICE Arrests 1,328 in Two‑Week Washington Area Sweep

The operation signals a sustained federal enforcement surge targeting sanctuary jurisdictions, likely leading to removals as local criminal cases proceed.

The Department of Homeland Security said over 1,300 illegal immigrants were arrested after a massive two-week operation swept across Washington, DC, Virginia and Maryland. (DHS)
The Department of Homeland Security said over 1,300 illegal immigrants were arrested after a massive two-week operation swept across Washington, DC, Virginia and Maryland. (DHS)
German Mejia-Baires is a member of MS-13 and has a criminal history that includes convictions for driving while intoxicated, driving on a suspended license, and illegal re-entry, and arrests for felony malicious wounding and shoplifting, according to ICE. (DHS)
The Department of Homeland Security said over 1,300 illegal immigrants were arrested after a massive two-week operation swept across Washington, DC, Virginia and Maryland. (DHS)

Overview

  • The Department of Homeland Security disclosed Monday that Operation Safe Community — Washington, D.C. ran from Aug. 1 to Aug. 14 and resulted in 1,328 arrests across Maryland and Virginia.
  • DHS said nearly 400 of those detained had prior convictions or pending charges for crimes that include murder, rape, attempted murder, kidnapping and hit‑and‑run.
  • ICE named and held specific suspects, including Eygner Wilfredo Huezo‑Moran, a Salvadoran wanted for murder in Richmond, and said some arrestees were turned over to local authorities while ICE lodged detainers to begin removal proceedings.
  • Officials said the operation proceeded despite sanctuary‑style policies in many counties of Virginia and Maryland and was presented by DHS as targeting areas that do not fully cooperate with federal immigration enforcement.
  • The sweep follows a broader summer surge in ICE activity, including a July Atlanta operation, and could heighten clashes over local cooperation, detention capacity and transparency in removal and deportation processes.