Varinder Singh. Photo: DHS

An Indian nationwide was amongst a number of convicted criminals arrested throughout the United States by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) as brokers continued working with out pay in the course of the federal authorities shutdown, now in its sixteenth day.

ICE mentioned its enforcement groups apprehended people convicted of significant crimes, together with rape, little one sexual abuse, and drug trafficking. The arrests, introduced by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), embrace Varinder Singh, an Indian citizen convicted of conspiracy to own with intent to distribute greater than 5 kilograms of cocaine in Boston, Massachusetts.

“Despite the Democrats’ authorities shutdown, the courageous women and men of ICE are working WITHOUT PAY and are STILL risking their lives to take away rapists, pedophiles and drug traffickers off of our streets,” mentioned Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “Enough is sufficient. Democrats must reopen the federal government, so our courageous legislation enforcement may be paid,” she mentioned within the official DHS assertion.

Other arrests embrace Ecuadorian, Mexican, and different nationals convicted of rape and little one abuse in New York, Texas, and Illinois. ICE mentioned the operations exhibit its dedication to public security regardless of the continued funding deadlock.

The shutdown, now greater than two weeks lengthy, has left hundreds of federal staff furloughed or working with out pay. DHS emphasised that legislation enforcement officers are nonetheless performing “important duties,” together with detaining people with violent legal histories.

This article is revealed in an association with 5WH.

Published – October 17, 2025 09:01 am IST