Federal Prosecutors Increase Focus on Illegal Reentry Cases
SEATTLE — Federal prosecutors in Western Washington are intensifying their investigation efforts into illegal reentry cases, actively working to prevent individuals with criminal backgrounds from reintegrating into society.
Weekly Case Filings Highlight Urgent Approach
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Neal Floyd informed KING 5 that his office files between six to ten illegal reentry cases weekly. This initiative is part of a larger strategy aimed at early intervention for those previously deported from the United States.
Efforts to Reduce Recidivism Among Offenders
Floyd emphasized, in an exclusive interview, that the goal is to minimize the number of individuals returning to the streets after committing serious offenses. He noted, “We’re doing a little bit more to reduce the number of people who are put back on the streets if they commit serious crimes.”
Recent Convictions Illustrate the Initiative
His office recently announced the conviction of two men in federal court for illegally reentering the country following deportation. Jorge Velasquez Sandoval was apprehended in Snohomish County on allegations of fourth-degree domestic violence, while Philadelfo Garcia Garcia has a history of multiple DUI offenses, including three convictions and failure to comply with the Ignition Interlock Protocol.
Federal Charges Follow Local Releases
Both individuals were initially released from local custody, only to face federal charges for illegal reentry later. Floyd believes that early intervention could avert future criminal activity, reinforcing the idea that cooperation between state and federal agencies is essential.
Operation Pick and Roll Takes Center Stage
The initiative is part of what Floyd described as Operation Pick and Roll, a program initiated prior to his tenure but now highlighted as a priority. Illegal reentry, defined as returning to the United States post-deportation, is prosecutable as a federal offense, whereas first-time undocumented entry is considered a misdemeanor.
Impact of Washington’s Preservation Act Criticized
Floyd expressed concerns regarding the Washington Preservation Act, a law enacted in 2019 to foster trust between law enforcement and immigrant communities. This act restricts how state and local agencies collaborate with federal immigration enforcement, complicating federal interventions. He argued that it hampers federal access to vital information necessary for early intervention.
Meaning of Ensuring Compliance With Immigration Protocols
Floyd clarified that while forcible deportation is not the immediate objective, securing an individual’s place within the immigration system is crucial for determining their eligibility to remain in the country. He stated, “If they don’t, they may end up being eliminated.” Currently, the two men from the recent cases are in immigration custody as his office maintains its commitment to filing illegal reentry cases.
Contextual Statistics on Crime Rates Among Immigrants
While Floyd highlighted these specific cases, it is important to note that various studies, including research from the National Academy of Sciences and the Brennan Center for Justice, have shown that immigrants generally commit crimes at lower rates than native-born Americans. This insight underscores the complexity of balancing immigration enforcement with community safety.
