8 arrested by ICE last week in Cranberry Township
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested eight individuals during a single targeted vehicle stop Jan. 22, at Ryan Homes at Park Place Townhomes in Cranberry Township.
The Butler County Sheriff’s Office worked with ICE to make the arrests at a construction site in the Cranberry Township community, according to an ICE spokesperson, who credited the Sheriff’s Office for its “outstanding support” in the operation.
Sheriff Mike Slupe signed an agreement June 23 giving deputies federal authority to arrest without a warrant and interrogate suspected undocumented immigrants in the county while under ICE direction. Deputies may also arrest suspected undocumented immigrants if they believe they are likely to flee before a warrant can be obtained or if they have committed a felony.
A construction worker told the Butler Eagle on Jan. 23 that he witnessed a detainee get tackled by an agent when he attempted to run from officers.
Slupe declined to comment on the ICE-led operation. He previously said 12 of his office’s 35 deputies received ICE training, but it’s unclear how many participated in the operation.
In addition to a statement about the operation, ICE said undocumented residents can use the CBP Home app to “take control of their departure.” CBP refers to U.S. Customs and Border Patrol.
“The United States is offering illegal aliens $2,600 and a free flight to self-deport now,” the ICE spokesperson said. “We encourage every person here illegally to take advantage of this offer and reserve the chance to come back to the U.S. the lawful, legal way to live the American dream.
“If not, you will be arrested and removed without a chance to return.”
The spokesperson added a reimbursement program was launched in the One Big Beautiful Bill for state and local law enforcement agencies that partner with ICE, but no additional details were provided.
