by Westbury, New York – Two individuals traveling from Manhattan to Long Island were arrested after attempting to shoplift merchandise from a Target store in Westbury last week, authorities confirmed. The suspects, identified as 36-year-old Gustavo Tellez Carillo and 33-year-old Erika Gomez Moreno, were apprehended by Nassau County police on Sunday, November 9, around 7:30 p.m.
Following a brief investigation, officers discovered that the couple was in the country illegally, and they were subsequently handed over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Authorities did not disclose the couple’s country of origin.
Charges and Legal Actions
Both Carillo and Moreno were charged with fourth-degree grand larceny for the attempted theft. Under the county’s partnership with ICE, the suspects are now subject to deportation proceedings.
This arrest highlights Nassau County’s ongoing collaboration with federal authorities, allowing local law enforcement to work closely with ICE agents to identify and detain individuals who are in the country unlawfully and allegedly commit crimes.
Nassau County’s ICE Partnership
Nassau County has established a comprehensive agreement with ICE under the 287(g) program, signed by County Executive Bruce Blakeman earlier this year. The initiative allows local detectives to assist federal immigration authorities in enforcement operations.
County officials report that more than 3,000 migrants are projected to have been detained under this partnership, with 10 detectives deputized by ICE to respond to immigration-related incidents.
Blakeman emphasized the importance of the collaboration in maintaining public safety, stating:
“Nassau County is the first county in America to have a fully comprehensive agreement with ICE under the 287(g) program, and will continue to work with ICE to keep our county safe from unvetted illegal immigrants who commit crimes such as poisoning our young people with fentanyl.”
Community and Public Safety Concerns
The arrest has reignited discussion about public safety and immigration enforcement in Nassau County. Officials argue that the partnership with ICE not only deters crime but also provides law enforcement with tools to respond to incidents involving individuals who are in the country illegally.
Critics of the program have raised concerns about potential overreach and civil liberties, though county authorities maintain that the initiative targets individuals who commit crimes, rather than lawful residents or visitors.
Next Steps
Carillo and Moreno remain in federal custody under ICE supervision, pending removal from the United States. Nassau County police continue to monitor local businesses for theft and other criminal activity while collaborating with federal authorities.
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