(Ouachita Parish, LA) - The Ouachita Parish Sheriff's Office recently partnered with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) during a targeted enforcement operation focused on identifying individuals who are unlawfully present in the United States and who pose a threat to public safety.
The operation resulted in the arrest of numerous individuals with significant immigration violations and criminal histories.
According to ICE, those encountered included:
• 13 individuals who had previously been removed from the United States.
• 7 individuals with outstanding final orders of removal.
• 2 absconded crew members.
• 5 individuals with outstanding criminal warrants.
Those arrested also had criminal histories involving offenses such as human smuggling, domestic violence, drug-related crimes, driving under the influence, resisting law enforcement, battery, illegal reentry, providing false identification, theft, disturbing the peace, and other alcohol related offenses.
ICE advised that immigration status and criminal history were verified prior to any arrests. Once individuals were taken into custody, identities and immigration status were confirmed through fingerprinting. At this time, ICE reports there is no evidence that any individual was wrongfully taken into custody during the operation.
One individual who has received significant attention on social media is 19-year-old Omar Monzon-Vasquez Anderson, an illegal alien from Guatemala. According to ICE, Monzon unlawfully entered the United States in 2020 with his mother and was released pending immigration proceedings.
On July 27, 2026, ICE states that Monzon attempted to purchase a rifle in West Monroe. Federal authorities allege that, as an individual unlawfully present in the United States, he is prohibited from possessing a firearm.
ICE further alleges that Monzon falsely represented himself as a United States citizen during the attempted purchase, a violation of 18 U.S.C. § 911. These allegations constitute federal felony offenses and are being handled through the federal judicial process.
ICE also addressed inaccurate information circulating on social media regarding the operation. According to ICE, no shots were fired by ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations personnel during the operation, nor did ICE witness officers with the West Monroe Police Department discharge a firearm during the initial vehicle stop.
Consistent with agency policy, ICE self-reported the allegation to the Office of Inspector General (OIG), and the Ouachita Parish Sheriff's Office notified ICE Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), which also referred the matter through the appropriate channels. These actions were taken to ensure transparency and accountability while addressing the allegation.
Additionally, ICE clarified that enforcement efforts were not directed at restaurants or businesses as has been suggested on social media. ICE stated that agents were present at one business location solely to locate two absconded crew members. The operation occurred before the business opened in an effort to minimize any disruption to employees, customers, and business operations.
Sheriff Marc Mashaw emphasized the importance of interagency cooperation in protecting the community.
"The Ouachita Parish Sheriff's Office remains committed to working alongside our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners to protect the citizens of Ouachita Parish. These operations are focused on individuals who have violated immigration laws and, in many cases, have demonstrated a disregard for the law through serious criminal activity. We also believe transparency is essential.
When questions or allegations arise, they
should be thoroughly reviewed so the public receives accurate information based on facts, not speculation. I also caution the public against accepting information from social media influencers who may have hidden agendas aimed at creating chaos and confusion among our citizens.
