ICE arrests criminal illegal alien from Mexico convicted of child cruelty in New Jersey

WASHINGTON - On Dec. 28, ICE arrested Efren Cortez-Velez, a criminal illegal alien from Mexico who was convicted of child cruelty, criminal trespassing and resisting arrest in Passaic, New Jersey. He is now in ICE custody pending removal proceedings.

"Despite the constant rhetoric from politicians, activists and the media claiming that ICE is somehow wrong for doing its constitutionally mandated mission, the reality is that we're out there arresting people like Efren Cortez-Velez - a criminal who entered this country illegally and was convicted of victimizing a vulnerable child," said ICE Director Todd M. Lyons. "ICE officers and agents are facing a 1,347% increase in assaults, and they're receiving 8,000% more death threats than they did compared to this time last year, but they're still showing up every day to take the worst of the worst out of our communities and make America safe again."

On March 9, 2007, New Jersey's Passaic Police Department arrested Cortez-Velez for criminal trespass and resisting arrest. He pleaded guilty on Oct. 10 and paid a $377 fine. Then, on Dec. 25 that same year, he was arrested again for endangering a child. He pleaded guilty April 24, 2008, to abuse, abandonment, cruelty and neglect and was sentenced to six months in prison.

Despite being convicted of these crimes, this criminal illegal alien remained at large in the United States, posing a threat to Americans until he was finally arrested by ICE Newark officers during a targeted enforcement operation this year. Thanks to their good work, this criminal will no longer be able to endanger American communities.

You can report crimes and suspicious activity by dialing 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or completing the online tip form.

Learn more about ICE's public safety mission on X at @ICEgov.