Federal immigration agents arrested five men convicted of serious crimes during operations conducted while Americans celebrated the Christmas holiday, according to a Department of Homeland Security announcement.
The arrests represent part of the Trump administration’s renewed enforcement priorities targeting what officials call the “worst of the worst” criminal illegal aliens in the United States.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers apprehended individuals with convictions ranging from homicide to sexual crimes against children in coordinated operations across multiple states. The agency released mugshots and criminal histories of those detained.
Among those arrested was Gustavo Benitez-Barrueta, a criminal illegal alien from Mexico convicted of possession of cocaine with intent to distribute in Austin, Texas. ICE also detained Julio Miguel Gonzalez, a criminal illegal alien from Cuba, convicted of homicide in Miami, Florida.
Officers arrested Carlos Esqueda-Ortega in California on multiple convictions, including illegal re-entry after deportation, drug possession for sale, and illegal firearm possession. The Mexican national had prior convictions in Stockton, San Diego, Santa Rosa, and Manteca.
Two additional arrests involved men convicted of crimes against children. Jose Barrera-Bolanos, a criminal illegal alien from Mexico, was convicted of child sexual assault in Denver, while Juan Perez-Tello, also of Mexico, was convicted of lewd and lascivious acts with a child under 14 in Santa Barbara, California.
“While Americans across the country spent time with their families this Christmas season, ICE continued delivering the American people the greatest gift of 2025: getting criminals out of our neighborhoods and protecting our families,” said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “ICE officers arrested heinous criminal illegal aliens yesterday, including murderers and monsters who sexually abused children. Under President Trump and Secretary Noem, criminal illegal aliens have NO PLACE in our country.”
The announcement noted that individuals illegally present in the U.S. can receive a $3,000 stipend and a free flight home if they register for voluntary departure through the CBP Home app before the end of the year. This self-deportation incentive operates in conjunction with enhanced enforcement operations.
