ICE arrests Ukrainian fugitive wanted for drug trafficking who entered US under Biden-era parole program

Anhelina Polishchuk, a 40-year-old Ukrainian national, was apprehended on November 20 and identified as an armed and dangerous escape risk. She is wanted in Ukraine for drug trafficking, including illegal production, manufacture, purchasing, storage, transportation, and possession of narcotics.

Polishchuk entered the US in 2023 through JFK Airport under a parole program for Ukrainians established during the Biden administration. She "attempted to use this program to evade justice," ICE said, but was identified by ICE and international authorities as a fugitive.

“Foreign criminals will not exploit our immigration laws to escape justice in their home countries,” said ICE Buffalo Enforcement and Removal Operations acting Field Office Director Tammy Marich. “Our officers are committed to protecting the public by ensuring criminals are not allowed to freely roam the streets of New York. We will continue to work with our domestic and international law enforcement partners to ensure individuals who commit egregious crimes, like Polishchuk are held to account.”

In its press release, ICE criticized the Biden administration for allowing “millions of unvetted foreigners, including criminals like Polishchuk, to enter and remain in the country.” The agency added that its officers are now “empowered to enforce the law and prevent dangerous illegal alien criminals from doing any more harm to American citizens.”

The arrest is part of ICE’s ongoing effort in New York despite the state’s sanctuary policies. ICE Director Todd Lyons recently sent a letter to New York Attorney General Letitia James, urging her to honor ICE arrest detainers for over 7,000 criminal illegal aliens in the state’s custody, which includes murderers and sexual predators.