**BREAKING: ICE Arrests 81 Illegal Aliens in Joint Federal Operation in Kentucky; 25 Face Felony Criminal Charges**
In a sweeping joint law enforcement operation conducted in **Kentucky**, **U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)** announced the arrest of **81 illegal aliens**, 25 of whom are also facing **felony criminal charges** ranging from **drug trafficking** to **weapons possession**, **fraud**, and **assault**.
The operation, which spanned multiple counties over the past several days, involved collaboration between ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO), the **Department of Homeland Security (DHS)**, local law enforcement agencies, and other federal partners. Officials say the goal of the mission was to locate and apprehend individuals who pose a threat to public safety or who have violated U.S. immigration laws.
According to ICE, those arrested originated from a variety of countries, including **Mexico, Honduras, Guatemala, El Salvador**, and **Venezuela**. Many had previously been **ordered removed by immigration courts**, and several had **prior criminal convictions** in the United States.
ICE spokesperson **Lindsay Williams** stated:
**“This operation reflects our commitment to enforcing immigration law and prioritizing the removal of individuals who threaten our communities. We work closely with our federal and local partners to uphold public safety and national security.”**
Of the 81 arrested, 25 individuals now face **felony charges** in Kentucky courts or federal court systems. These cases will proceed before removal actions, depending on court outcomes. The remaining individuals are currently in ICE custody and awaiting immigration proceedings or deportation.
The operation has sparked renewed debate around immigration enforcement, with supporters praising the focus on criminal offenders and critics calling for more humane approaches to immigration policy.
ICE officials emphasized that operations like this will continue as part of their mission to uphold immigration law and support lawful immigration channels.
