Brandon Steve Cadena Rodriguez/Colombia/Burglary, Organized Theft

Los Angeles-based immigration officers arrested Brandon Steve Cadena Rodriguez, 30, of Colombia, on Jan. 6 in connection with an ongoing burglary investigation. Cadena is identified as a member of a South American Theft Group, a type of organized crew authorities say targets residences and affluent neighborhoods for coordinated break-ins.

Officials report that Cadena was taken into custody on a burglary arrest and transferred to immigration authorities shortly afterward. A law enforcement spokesman said he is now being held in federal detention pending removal proceedings, with officers citing both his alleged organized theft activity and his immigration status in the decision to keep him in custody.