ICE said one of the individuals entered the United States illegally after being deported on at least four separate occasions.

PHOENIX — Two undocumented immigrants were arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement on Sunday outside of a Phoenix Home Depot, according to officials.

One of those arrested re-entered the United States illegally after being deported at least four separate times, ICE said.

ICE said the other person had no legal status to remain in the United States.

After hearing of the arrest, a protest gathered outside of the Home Depot location near 32nd Street and Thomas Road.

Below is the full statement from ICE on the arrest:

“On Jan. 4, ICE conducted a targeted immigration enforcement operation at in Phoenix, Arizona, near a Home Depot that resulted in the arrest of two illegal aliens from Mexico. Juan Esquivel Moreno, a criminal illegal alien from Mexico who chose to commit a felony by illegally reentering the United States after being deported at least FOUR separate times. Fernando Molina Mendoza also has no legal status to remain in the United States. Both illegal aliens are in ICE custody pending removal. We encourage all illegal aliens to take control of their departure with the CBP Home App. The United States is offering illegal aliens $1,000 and a free flight to self-deport now. We encourage every person here illegally to take advantage of this offer and reserve the chance to come back to the U.S. the right legal way to live the American dream. If not, you will be arrested and deported without a chance to return.”

>> Download the 12News app for the latest local breaking news straight to your phone.


Watch 12News for free 

You can now watch 12News content anytime, anywhere thanks to the 12+ app! 

The free 12+ app from 12News lets users stream live events — including daily newscasts like “Today in AZ” and “12 News” and our daily lifestyle program, “Arizona Midday”—on Roku, Apple TV and Amazon Fire TV. 

12+  showcases live video throughout the day for breaking news, local news, weather and even an occasional moment of Zen showcasing breathtaking sights from across Arizona. 

Users can also watch on-demand videos of top stories, local politics, I-Team investigations, Arizona-specific features and vintage videos from the 12News archives. 

Roku: Add the channel from the Roku store or by searching for “12 News KPNX.” 

Amazon Fire TV: Search for “12 News KPNX” to find the free 12+ app to add to your account, or have the 12+ app delivered directly to your Amazon Fire TV through Amazon.com or the Amazon app.