ICE deports convicted Russian spy

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) says it has deported a man convicted in federal court of conspiring to act as a Russian agent within America.

Evgeny Buryakov, a 42-year-old formerly of New York City, was removed to Moscow Wednesday, the agency said in a statement.

“Removing individuals like Mr. Buryakov represents ICE’s highest enforcement priority, which is protecting the national security of the United States,” said Rebecca Adducci, field office director for Enforcement and Removal Operations Detroit.

{mosads}“ICE will continue to move aggressively against those who engage in actions that could potentially compromise the security of our nation,” added Adducci, whose office covers Michigan and Ohio.

Buryakov pleaded guilty in March 2016 to conspiring to work covertly as a Russian agent in the U.S. without notifying the attorney general.

Authorities had probed Buryakov, Victor Podobnyy and Igor Sporyshev for suspected ties with a Russian spy ring, according to a 2015 court filing.

Reports emerged Monday that a former adviser to President Trump’s election campaign met Podobnyy three years before the 2016 race.

Carter Page, who was then an energy consultant, purportedly passed documents to Podobnyy during a 2013 encounter in New York City.

FBI Director James Comedy said last week his bureau is probing Russia’s 2016 election meddling, including possible collusion between Moscow and Trump campaign officials.

The bombshell announcement has brought new scrutiny to Page and other members of Trump’s election bid with possible Russia ties.