U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested multiple criminal illegal aliens across several states, including individuals convicted of sexual offenses against children, drug trafficking, and aggravated assault, the agency announced February 20.
In a press release, ICE said officers took into custody individuals convicted of unlawful sexual conduct with a minor, statutory rape, methamphetamine trafficking, and assault involving a deadly weapon.
“Even while facing doxing, threats, harassment, and a more than 1,300% increase in assaults against them, ICE continues to go after criminal illegal aliens, including pedophiles, violent sex criminals, and drug traffickers,” Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said.
McLaughlin added, “Nearly 70% of all ICE arrests are of illegal aliens convicted or charged of a crime in the U.S. If you break the law, you will face the consequences. Criminal illegal aliens are not welcome in the U.S.”
Arrests Span Multiple States
ICE identified the following individuals:
- Michelle Rodriguez-Berrio, a Colombian national convicted of unlawful sexual conduct with a minor in Salt Lake City, Utah
- Rene Lopez-Balbuena, a Mexican national convicted of endangering the welfare of a child and sexual assault of a child in Monmouth County, New Jersey
- Luis Elias-Santos, a Mexican national convicted of second-degree statutory rape in Boone County, Missouri
- Jeovanny Porras-Rodriguez, a Mexican national convicted of trafficking in methamphetamine in Buncombe County, North Carolina
- Leonardo Garcia-Meza, a Mexican national convicted of aggravated assault involving a deadly weapon in Collin County, Texas
The Collin County conviction places North Texas among the jurisdictions included in the enforcement action.
Enforcement Focus
ICE continues to prioritize arrests of illegal aliens convicted of serious crimes or facing pending criminal charges. The agency reports that nearly 70% of its arrests involve individuals convicted or charged with crimes in the United States.
The press release also referenced a “more than 1,300% increase in assaults” against ICE officers but did not specify the timeframe or provide supporting data in the statement.
ICE directs the public to its enforcement portal at WOW.DHS.gov for additional updates.
