US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents busted into a Tennessee nightclub on Saturday and arrested more than 120 illegal aliens, according to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The raid took place at "El Corralon" in Memphis.
DHS reported that many of the apprehended individuals had criminal histories. Multiple bystander videos captured the intense moment federal agents arrived on site and busted into the establishment, taking clubgoers by surprise.
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Dozens of scantily clad women were hauled out of the nightclub by federal agents, according to video. They were handcuffed, placed on ICE vans, and transported to detention facilities. In total, the raid dubbed "Operation Corral Light" netted 121 arrests, both men and women.
"On August 30, ICE New Orleans arrested 121 illegal aliens during a multiagency targeted enforcement operation, 'Operation Corral Light,' at the 'El Corralon' nightclub in Memphis," DHS said in a press release. "The operation resulted in the arrests of illegal alien offenders with criminal histories that include larceny, drug possession, domestic violence, driving while intoxicated, assault, child endangerment, and prostitution."
Photo courtesy: DHS
Scott Ladwig, the Director of the ICE ERO New Orleans Field Office, said the "criminal enforcement operation" was intended, in part, to "eliminate drug activity" in the community. "Our officers remain committed to enforcing the law professionally, protecting the public, and upholding the trust placed in us by the American people," he said.
DHS released mugshots of some of the arrested clubgoers, along with their criminal records. This includes:
Ricardo N. Rodriguez Arteaga, of Honduras, whose criminal history includes a larceny conviction and an arrest for commercial sex - homosexual prostitution.
Sergio Vieyra Torres, of Mexico, who has been arrested on charges including child endangerment and driving under the influence of liquor.
Maryari Pamela Lopez Urivina, of Honduras, who has a criminal history that includes an arrest for aggravated assault.
Jeronima Giron Cisneros, of Honduras, who has been arrested on domestic violence charges.
Miguel Galeas Rodriguez, of Honduras, whose criminal history includes a cocaine possession conviction.
DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin praised the operation as a success. "Crime in the city of Memphis has plummeted. A big part of that success comes from arresting and deporting illegal aliens in the city," said Mullin. "Under the Trump administration, the brave men and women of ICE have been unleashed to remove illegal aliens from our communities and make America safe again."
The federal agency urged any individuals who are unlawfully present in the US to self-deport by taking advantage of the $2,600 stipend and free flight through the CBP Home App.
Members of the public can report immigration-related crimes or suspicious activity by calling (866-347-2423) or completing the online tip form.