NEW YORK: An Indian national, who has pending charges for assault, forcible touching, sexual abuse and harassment, is among five aliens from as many countries recently arrested in the New York-metropolitan area after detainers filed by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) were ignored.

Gurnam Singh, 21, a citizen of India, was arrested by Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) deportation officers on October 16, following a series of arrests and encounters by New York law enforcement and a subsequently ignored immigration detainer.

On December 26, 2016, Singh was arrested by the New York City Police for misdemeanor charges. He was later released on his own recognizance.

Days later, he was arrested again by NYPD on charges of criminal contempt. He was released on bond on January 11, from the New York City Department of Corrections (NYDOC).

On June 15, Singh was again arrested by NYPD for criminal contempt, assault, criminal mischief and harassment. He was arraigned on June 21, in Queens Criminal Court, on local charges, and subsequently released from custody on bond.

As a result of New York City legislation, which closed the ICE Criminal Alien Program office on Rikers Island, he was never encountered and / or interviewed by deportation officers at any point.

On September 6, Singh was again arrested on local charges. On the same day, deportation officers lodged an immigration detainer and warrant of arrest with the Queens Central Booking, which ultimately went unanswered.

On October 16,  ICE deportation officers arrested Singh in Elmhurst, New York, on immigration violations. He is currently detained in ICE custody, pending a removal hearing before an immigration judge.