BOSTON, United States (CMC) — The United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency says its Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) in Boston, Massachusetts arrested a 33-year-old unlawfully present Dominican Republic national convicted of US federal drug trafficking crimes.

On Friday, ICE said that deportation officers from ERO Boston’s Providence, Rhode Island field office apprehended Yeury Francisco Rodriguez on April 22 in Central Falls, Rhode Island.

“Yeury Francisco Rodriguez is an unlawfully present repeat drug offender and was convicted for distributing poison throughout our community,” said ERO Boston Field Office Director Todd M. Lyons. “We will not allow the residents of our New England neighbourhoods to be subjected to such egregious criminals.”

“ERO Boston remains dedicated to prioritising the safety of our residents and apprehending the most dangerous noncitizen offenders,” he added.

ICE said that Rodriguez unlawfully entered the United States on an unknown date, at an unknown location, without being inspected, admitted or paroled by a US immigration official.

Police in Lawrence, Massachusetts, arrested Rodriguez on May 6, 2020, and charged him with “drug, distribute, Class A,” ICE said.

It said authorities in Providence also arrested Rodriguez June 21, 2021, and charged him with “manufacture/possess/deliver Schedule I/II-drug depend and conspiracy”.

In addition, ICE said the Drug Enforcement Administration in New Bedford, Massachusetts arrested Rodriguez for conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl in July 19, 2022.

ICE said Rodriguez was convicted on July 25, 2022, of “drug, distribute, Class A,” in Lawrence, Massachusetts.

Deportation officers from ERO Boston’s Providence field office lodged an immigration detainer against Rodriguez February 17, 2023, with the Wyatt Detention Facility in Central Falls, ICE said.

It said the US District Court for the District of Massachusetts convicted Rodriguez of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl on April 3.

The court sentenced Rodriguez to 25 months of imprisonment followed by two years of supervised release, ICE said.

Upon completion of his federal prison sentence on April 22, ICE said deportation officers from ERO Boston’s Providence field office apprehended Rodriguez.

“He will remain in ERO custody pending the outcome of his removal proceedings,” ICE said.