Luis Burgos/Dominican Republic/Intent to Sell Opium or Derivatives

Luis Burgos, 39, a citizen of the Dominican Republic, was deported by Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) New Orleans following his conviction for a serious drug offense. Burgos was found guilty of selling opium or its derivatives, a felony narcotics trafficking offense under U.S. law. He was sentenced to serve time in a state correctional facility, where he completed his sentence before being turned over to ICE custody.

Burgos had previously entered the United States illegally and did not have lawful immigration status at the time of his arrest. After his conviction for the sale of controlled substances, ICE lodged an immigration detainer with the appropriate authorities to assume custody upon his release. ERO officers then initiated removal proceedings due to his criminal conviction and immigration status.

The sale of opiates and related substances is classified as a serious aggravated felony under immigration law and typically results in mandatory deportation. Given the danger posed by narcotics trafficking and its impact on public safety, Burgos’s case was expedited. He was deported to the Dominican Republic following a final order of removal.

Burgos’s removal was executed without incident. He was transferred to the custody of Dominican authorities upon arrival in his home country.