Federal immigration agents visited a tourist area in Tennessee on business last month, nabbing nearly 120 illegal immigrants in the heart of the Smoky Mountains.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement made the criminal and administrative arrests in Sevier County and surrounding areas. Unlike in sanctuary jurisdictions, the weeklong roundup had the support of local police agencies.
ICE New Orleans, in partnership with federal, state and local law enforcement, carried out the targeted enforcement operation from May 24 to May 31 in eastern Tennessee, ICE shared in a news release.
Working with local law enforcement partners, including the Sevierville Police Department, ICE officials said law enforcement is focused on improving public safety for residents and tourists.
The group included people with convictions for domestic assault, driving while intoxicated, theft, child exploitation and aggravated sexual assault, ICE said. Some of those arrested may face additional criminal charges for illegal reentry into the United States.
Sevierville Police Deputy Chief Sam Hinson said the department is working to create “safer streets, protect families, and ensure Sevierville, Sevier County, and East Tennessee remain great places to live, work and enjoy.”
In October 2025, the Sevier County Sheriff’s Office joined ICE’s 287(g) program along with law enforcement agencies like the Knox, Cumberland, Grainger and Morgan County Sheriff’s Offices.
Sevier County is home to Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg and Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which are tourist hot spots particularly during the summer, along with many other attractions.
“This enforcement operation demonstrates our commitment to protecting the safety of the community and its visitors,” said Enforcement and Removal Operations New Orleans acting Field Office Director Brian Acuna.
Sen. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tennessee, shared news of the arrests on X, tagging ICE with “thank you.”
Thank you, @ICEgov, for arresting 117 illegal aliens in East Tennessee.
Among those arrested were criminals convicted of theft, domestic assault, driving while intoxicated, and attempted aggravated sexual battery. Grateful these dangerous individuals are off our streets.
— Sen. Marsha Blackburn (@MarshaBlackburn) June 17, 2026
Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin also praised the law enforcement collaboration with 287(g) partners. He noted seven of the 10 safest cities in America cooperate with ICE.
“With the help of our 287g partners in states like Tennessee, we are getting illegal alien criminals OUT of our communities,” Mullin wrote on X, resharing Blackburn’s post. “Local, state, and federal law enforcement collaboration is key to Make America Safe Again.”
The agency released the names of some of those arrested, including several Honduran migrants with criminal records.
Jose Omar Euceda-Moreno, 37, of Honduras, was arrested five times for driving under the influence. He has been convicted twice of driving under the influence, domestic assault, drug possession and probation violation.
Denis Ariel Cabrera Castillo, 18, of Honduras, was arrested for solicitation of a minor/rape of a child, interference with an emergency call and attempted sexual battery. He pleaded guilty to attempted aggravated sexual battery and was sentenced to six years in prison.
Katherine Michelle Ocampo Figueroa, 29, of Honduras, was previously removed from the United States. Her criminal history includes an aggravated assault arrest and theft conviction.
Gerson Alberto Dempster, 54, of Honduras, has been arrested for felony possession of cocaine, public intoxication and driving without a license.
Several local outlets, including WBIR and WATE 6 News, reported on ICE’s presence in the area as word spread among community members and advocates. WBIR ran a headline that said ICE activity was “sparking fear Latino communities” in the region.
This isn’t the first time officials have taken action against illegal immigrants in East Tennessee, according to WVLT News. Knox County reported the second-highest number of undocumented immigrants charged or convicted with a crime in 2025.
In a statement on June 2, an ICE Spokesperson told WBIR the United States is offering illegal immigrants $2,600 and a free flight to self-deport now.
“The fact of the matter is those who are in our country illegally have a choice — they can leave the country voluntarily or be arrested and deported,” the statement said.
ICE said illegal immigrants with final orders of removal, who re-entered the U.S. after removal, can be deported immediately. However, those without final orders of removal will remain in ICE custody pending immigration court proceedings.
