Nine Chilean Nationals Apprehended in New Jersey Over Alleged Theft Ring Ties

Nine Chilean males were arrested by New Jersey federal officials for transnational theft. The arrests in Jersey City and Princeton on September 19 followed an investigation by ICE Newark and the FBI’s Joint Organized Crime Task Force. All nine individuals entered the US legitimately but stayed longer than their visas allowed, according to law enforcement.

According to officials, numerous inmates have criminal history that include burglary, larceny, receiving stolen items, and DUI. A Chilean national with Florida retail theft, Tennessee credit card fraud, and numerous state arrest warrants was arrested. An arrestee from a theft ring has been charged with larceny in Florida and possession of stolen stuff in New Jersey. Another detainee has DUI and petty and grand theft offenses. One of the arrested Chileans had a Pennsylvania burglary warrant, while others are affiliated with theft groups.

ICE has not released the inmates’ names because to the ongoing investigation. Ruben Perez, acting field office director for ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations in Newark, said the agency will disrupt criminal networks that exploit immigration procedures and hurt communities. He said transient offenders should not be allowed to operate with impunity and that law enforcement partnership is crucial to destroying these networks.

Newark’s FBI Criminal Enterprise Branch pledged to detect and defeat criminal enterprises targeting New Jersey individuals and businesses. Stefanie Roddy, the special agent in charge, said combined efforts had led to substantial arrests and will continue.

Officials call “South American Theft Groups” international criminal networks that coordinate burglaries, thefts, and other property crimes across jurisdictions. Public declarations claim these groups utilize advanced tactics to avoid detection and cost communities and businesses a lot. The recent New Jersey arrests are part of a larger effort to bring those involved accountable and deter criminals from using lawful immigration channels.

Authorities intend to learn more about the detainees’ responsibilities, potential co-conspirators, and the criminal operation as the investigation progresses. Monitoring and targeting state and national organized theft networks requires constant law enforcement attention.

Sources
ICE Newark press release
Patch News New Jersey reporting
ICE newsroom archive