U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, New York City and its federal partners arrested Venezuelan national Edison Guillermo Pinto-Padron, a 26-year-old criminal alien and member of a transnational organised criminal enterprise known as a South American theft group, on May 14.
On July 26, 2023, the U.S. Border Patrol encountered and arrested Pinto near El Paso, Texas, after he illegally entered the United States.
Border Patrol officials issued him a notice to appear and released him into the U.S. on an order of recognisance.
The Leesburg Police Department in Virginia arrested Pinto on September 1, 2024, for the offences of grand larceny, possession of a burglarious tool, and contributing to the delinquency of a child.
ICE lodged an immigration detainer against Pinto’s release with the Loudoun County Jail the next day.
However, the agency failed to honour the detainer when it released Pinto without notifying ICE. ICE New York City subsequently learned Pinto was a member of a South American theft group.
The Loudoun County Circuit Court convicted Pinto of grand larceny on December 12, 2024, and sentenced him to a two-year suspended sentence and two years of probation.
ICE New York City arrested Pinto on May 14 in Manhattan, pursuant to a warrant of arrest. Pinto is detained in ICE custody, without bond, pending his removal proceedings.
