MIAMI, United States — The United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency says it has apprehended a Jamaican among 18 people during a targeted enforcement operation for individuals who pose a threat to public safety.

ICE identified the Jamaican as a 55-year-old male who was convicted for possession of cocaine and narcotic equipment.

“The subject is currently pending a removal hearing by an immigration judge,” said ICE, disclosing that of those arrested by Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) during the enforcement action, which spanned several counties in Southeast Florida, were from Guatemala, Mexico, Honduras, China, Jamaica and Colombia.

“ERO is focused on smart, effective immigration enforcement that protects citizens throughout Florida by arresting and removing those who undermine our immigration laws and pose a safety threat to our communities,” said ERO Miami Field Office Director Garrett Ripa.

“The ATD (Alternatives to Detention) programme is a privilege, and when noncitizens violate the conditions of their release by breaking other laws, there are consequences.”

ICE said criminal histories amongst those arrested include racketeering, conspiracy, extortion, weapons charges, driving under the influence, cocaine possession, domestic violence, child abuse, hit and run, burglary, criminal mischief, aggravated assault, assault with a weapon, and resisting an officer.

ICE said noncitizens placed into removal proceedings receive their legal due process from federal immigration judges in the immigration courts, which are administered by the Justice Department’s Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR).

Last year, ICE said ERO arrested 73,822 noncitizens with criminal histories with an average of four per individual.