Filipino arrested by ICE in Las Vegas, faces removal proceedings

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers have arrested a 55-year-old Philippine national in Las Vegas who authorities say remained in the United States for more than two decades after his authorized stay expired.

ICE identified the man as Jaime Tan Francisco, 55, who was taken into custody by officers with ICE Salt Lake City on Aug. 2.

According to ICE, Francisco entered the United States through Detroit in April 2000 and was authorized to remain in the country until Oct. 26, 2000. Authorities allege that he stayed in the United States beyond that date without authorization.

ICE said Francisco has prior convictions for misdemeanor harassment in 2006 and methamphetamine possession in 2014.

He was also arrested by Las Vegas police on July 25 on allegations that included domestic battery, drug possession, possession of drug paraphernalia, resisting an officer, and attempted arson.

Those July 25 allegations are separate from his immigration case and remain allegations unless proven in court.

Following his arrest by immigration authorities, Francisco was placed in ICE custody and is expected to remain detained while his removal proceedings are pending.

The case is part of continuing immigration enforcement operations targeting foreign nationals whom U.S. authorities say are unlawfully present in the country or have criminal records.