PARAMUS, N.J. — Immigration and Customs Enforcement has issued detainers for three Colombian nationals accused of stealing nearly $4,000 in merchandise from six stores at Westfield Garden State Plaza, after Paramus police arrested them in an undercover operation.

The three suspects, identified as Andres M. Rincon, 35, Luisa Fernanda Gonzalez Santana, 24, and Michell Natalia Calderon Varela, 28, were taken into custody Thursday evening, Oct. 29, following surveillance by Paramus police and mall security.

According to Police Chief Robert Guidetti, the operation began after mall security alerted officers to Rincon.

Officer Matthew Mulick allegedly watched as Rincon concealed 12 items worth $1,298 inside his clothing at Lululemon and left without paying. Rincon then met up with Gonzalez Santana and Calderon Varela, whom police identified as lookouts.

The trio was subsequently followed as they allegedly moved from store to store.

Nearly an hour later, they left the mall and entered a vehicle in the parking lot. Detective William Stallone and Sgt. Keith Bland moved in and arrested all three, Guidetti said.

Police recovered 31 items valued at a total of $3,925.80, along with anti-theft devices. The merchandise allegedly came from Lululemon, Adidas, Abercrombie, Aritzia, PacSun and Windsor.

All three were charged with second-degree organized retail theft. Calderon Varela also faces a disorderly persons charge for possession of anti-shoplifting devices.

After the suspects were booked into the Bergen County Jail, ICE issued detainers seeking to take custody of all three.

An ICE detainer is a request that local authorities notify federal immigration officials before releasing someone from custody and, under applicable circumstances, hold the person for a limited additional period so ICE can assume custody. It is not itself a deportation order or a final determination of immigration status.

Bergen County Sheriff Anthony Cureton has honored ICE detainers, according to The DeMarco Report.

Guidetti described organized retail theft as a coordinated criminal operation that affects retailers and the wider community.

“Our officers are committed to identifying and disrupting individuals and groups engaged in these organized theft operations,” the chief told The DeMarco Report.

The charges are allegations. All three defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.