U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in New Jersey has captured Ismail Sayik, a 29-year-old Turkish national who was sought in Turkey for murder and other offenses.
Sayik, an individual who was in the United States illegally, got arrested on March 4, 2025, as part of a routine enforcement operation carried out by ICE in collaboration with local and federal allies. He is now in ICE custody while awaiting removal proceedings.
ICE states that Sayik has three arrest warrants in Turkey, one of which is for murder.
“Once the ICE Homeland Security Investigations attaché office in Turkey alerted HSI Newark that a person of interest overseas was in New Jersey illegally, our team was quick to respond, identify the suspect and arrest him in Queens, New York,” said ICE Homeland Security Investigations Newark Special Agent in Charge Ricky J. Patel. “We are grateful for the entire federal partnership, specifically the FBI and the Drug Enforcement Administration for their support to the ICE mission focused on safeguarding our homeland from criminals unlawfully hiding out in our neighborhoods.”
Sayik first entered the United States illegally when he was apprehended by U.S. Border Patrol (USBP) on March 17, 2023, near Jacumba, California.
He received a notice to appear before an immigration judge from the Department of Justice and was later released on an Order of Recognizance. He was instructed to report to the nearest ICE office.
Sayik followed the instructions and checked in with ICE New York on April 5, 2023. Unfortunately, on March 4, 2025, ICE Newark officers apprehended him in Sunnyside, New York, and he is currently held in custody awaiting deportation proceedings.
