A criminal alien from the Côte d’Ivoire with nine convictions in New York has been arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers following his release from state custody.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Enforcement and Removal Operations Buffalo arrested 38-year-old Wahota Allassane Ouattara on July 23 after his release from the New York Department of Corrections and Community Supervision facility in Comstock. Ouattara, who is unlawfully present in the United States, had previously been convicted of multiple crimes including arson, assault and attempted robbery.
According to federal officials, Ouattara initially entered the country legally in New York City but violated the terms of his temporary admission when he failed to depart by October 7, 2016. Officers with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement encountered him on October 25, 2024, after his incarceration for arson and attempted robbery. He was placed into removal proceedings and issued a notice to appear on January 8.
“This criminal alien not only violated our nation’s federal immigration laws, but he has repeatedly proven his complete disregard for New York State penal laws as well,” said U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Buffalo Deputy Field Office Director Joseph Freden. “Our officers will continue to prioritize public safety by ensuring criminal aliens stay off of our streets while affecting their removal from the United States.”
Ouattara’s criminal convictions include:
- Two counts of third-degree assault (February 9, 2022)
- Second-degree aggravated harassment (February 9, 2022)
- Second-degree criminal trespass (September 9, 2022)
- Two counts of second-degree criminal trespass (January 27, 2023)
- Third-degree assault (May 23, 2024)
- Third-degree arson (July 25, 2024)
- Attempted robbery (July 25, 2024)
He is currently detained in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody pending immigration proceedings.
