WASHINGTON D.C. – On December 21, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Buffalo, successfully removed an Iranian national with ties to terrorism who was unlawfully present in the United States. The individual, also a permanent resident of Canada, was wanted by Canadian authorities on assault charges and considered a national security priority. The removal was carried out based on the Safe Third Country Agreement, and the individual was handed over to Canadian law enforcement.
The Iranian national attempted to enter the U.S. on October 10 but was refused entry by Customs and Border Protection officers at the Rainbow Bridge Pedestrian Walkway in Niagara Falls. Subsequently, on October 12, he was arrested by U.S. Border Patrol as he unlawfully entered the U.S. from Canada. An expedited removal order was served on November 8, leading to the successful removal on December 21.
ERO Buffalo emphasized the importance of the strong law enforcement partnership between U.S. and Canadian authorities in enhancing national security and preventing individuals with criminal backgrounds from evading justice. The collaboration involved officers on both sides of the border working together to ensure public safety.
ERO is a principal federal law enforcement authority responsible for domestic immigration enforcement, focusing on arresting and removing individuals who pose a threat to U.S. communities and the integrity of immigration laws. The agency operates under the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and has more than 7,700 personnel across multiple locations, both domestic and overseas.
