The U.S. Department of Homeland Security on Thursday highlighted the results of “Operation Buckeye,” a targeted immigration enforcement operation conducted across Ohio that led to the arrest of more than 280 illegal aliens, including individuals convicted of violent and serious crimes.
According to DHS, the operation took place statewide from December 16 through December 21, 2025, and focused on identifying and arresting illegal aliens with criminal convictions, including aggravated assault, robbery, criminal possession of a firearm, and drug trafficking.
“The American people can be so proud of their ICE law enforcement for their hard work arresting the worst of the worst even during the holiday season,” said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “Operation Buckeye resulted in the arrest of more than 280 illegal aliens, including criminals convicted of assaulting a police officer, criminal firearm possession, and drug trafficking. Thanks to our law enforcement, Ohio neighborhoods are safer with these criminals behind bars where they belong.”
Criminal Convictions Among Those Arrested
DHS provided examples of individuals arrested during the operation, describing them as among the “worst of the worst” criminal illegal aliens taken into custody.
Those arrests included:
- Emanuel Guijosa-Nonato, a Mexican national convicted of aggravated assault against a police officer, disorderly conduct, driving under the influence of liquor, and illegal re-entry
- Andres Blanco Hernandez, arrested on charges including assault and domestic violence
- Wilmar Edgardo Lozano-Alcantara, from El Salvador, convicted of drug possession, robbery, and trespassing
- Erick Jose Ramos-Boscan, from Venezuela, convicted of criminal possession of a firearm
- Edilmiro Pedraza Quinones, convicted of drug possession, shoplifting, and contempt of court
- Marco Antonio Clemente Picazo, from Mexico, convicted of driving under the influence of liquor and drug possession
- Melvin Alejandro Rodriguez Rodriguez, from Venezuela, previously arrested for assault
- Fernandez Flores, from Honduras, convicted of making a false police report and arrested for larceny and obstructing police
Local Reporting Confirms Ohio Enforcement Activity
Local media outlets in Ohio reported Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity in Columbus and other parts of the state during the December enforcement window, confirming that agents conducted targeted arrests of individuals with prior criminal convictions and immigration violations as part of Operation Buckeye.
The reports described ICE agents working in coordination with federal partners to locate and take individuals into custody over multiple days, beginning in mid-December. Authorities said the enforcement actions focused on individuals with serious criminal histories and outstanding immigration violations.
DHS said the operation involved coordinated efforts by Immigration and Customs Enforcement and other federal law-enforcement partners, and that additional charges may be filed as investigations continue.
Operation Buckeye is part of broader federal enforcement efforts aimed at identifying, arresting, and removing illegal aliens with criminal histories from communities across the United States, according to the department.
