On March 4, US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), in collaboration with federal and local law enforcement, detained Ismail Sayik, a Turkish citizen illegally present in the United States, during an enforcement operation.
He was taken into custody in Newark. As an immigration sanctuary state, New Jersey has become a shelter for criminal illegal aliens hoping to evade punishment. While not legislated by the state legislature, the sanctuary state label was established by executive orders issued by New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy.
Sayik, 29, is wanted internationally on various arrest warrants, including murder charges. He is currently in ICE custody while awaiting removal proceedings.
“Once the ICE Homeland Security Investigations attaché office in Turkey alerted HSI Newark that a person of interest overseas was in New Jersey illegally, our team was quick to respond, identify the suspect and arrest him in Queens, New York,” said Ricky J. Patel, special agent in charge of ICE Homeland Security Investigations Newark.
He credited the FBI and the Drug Enforcement Administration for their assistance in the operation.
Sayik was earlier captured on March 17, 2023, near Jacumba, California, after unlawfully crossing the United States border. He was apprehended by the US Border Patrol and served with a notice to appear before an immigration judge at the Department of Justice.
Following his arrest, Sayik was freed on an Order of Recognizance, which required him to report to the nearest ICE office while his immigration case was being handled. On April 5, 2023, he followed the order and reported to ICE New York.
Officials have not provided any new information about Sayik’s abroad warrants or the timing for his removal proceedings. His case remains under investigation.
