U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Newark have arrested José Heladio Bonilla‑Sanchez, a Mexican national identified as an active member of the Cartel del Noreste, during an operation in Lakewood this week.
The arrest took place on June 30 during a targeted operation, the agency said.
Bonilla‑Sanchez is alleged to have been associated with the Cartel del Noreste, a violent drug trafficking organization operating out of northeastern Mexico before branching into the United States.
He was apprehended on immigration charges and is currently in ICE custody pending further processing and potential removal proceedings. He also faces prosecution on reentry charges.
Details about whether any weapons or contraband were recovered during the arrest were not immediately disclosed.
The Cartel del Noreste, formerly known as Los Zetas, is a U.S.-designated Foreign Terrorist Organization involved in various illicit activities, including drug trafficking, kidnapping, extortion, and human smuggling.
ICE agents reportedly making arrests at the Lakewood/Howell border on Rt. 9. pic.twitter.com/d1RwlQRVzB
— The Lakewood Scoop (@LakewoodScoop) June 30, 2025
That’s crazy!!!
So interesting. When there were posts about ICE being in town, so many ppl were commenting on how horrible it is, the poor immigrants, and arguing with those who were pro it.
Now that we see that ICE being in town led to the arrest of such a dangerous criminal, no one is commenting??? All the “poor immigrants” commenters suddenly don’t have anything to say????
#inyourfacecommilibs