U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced Thursday the arrest of several individuals convicted of violent crimes, sex offenses, and drug trafficking — including one linked to a Berks County case.
According to the Department of Homeland Security, the arrests were made on Aug. 6 as part of ongoing enforcement actions targeting “the worst of the worst criminal illegal aliens.” ICE officials said the individuals taken into custody had prior convictions ranging from aggravated assault and drug trafficking to sexual offenses involving juveniles.
The arrests included Xiaoming Zhao, a citizen of China, who was convicted in Berks County of possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance. Other arrests named in the release include:
• Osvaldo Rabiero-Alvarez, from Cuba, convicted of aggravated assault in Jefferson County, Texas.
• Andres Guilarte, from Cuba, convicted of trafficking cocaine and grand theft motor vehicle in Naples, Florida.
• Andrew Kerr, from Jamaica, convicted of assault in Brooklyn, New York.
• Eduardo Soto-Fuentes, from El Salvador, convicted of carnal knowledge of a juvenile and indecent behavior with a juvenile in Livingston, Louisiana.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said ICE officers are facing a “1,000% increase in assaults” against them, calling the incidents “fueled by sanctuary politicians’ rhetoric vilifying our law enforcement.” She added that the agency will continue to pursue arrests despite the risks.
DHS officials also encouraged those interested in careers in federal law enforcement to apply at join.ice.gov.
