U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has announced a significant operation targeting undocumented migrant gang members in the Houston area, resulting in the arrest of 356 individuals within the first six months of the Trump administration.
These arrests were part of a strategic initiative aimed at removing what ICE described as “the worst of the worst” criminal immigrants, in efforts to enhance public safety and national security.
According to ICE, these gang members are linked to over 40 different gangs and collectively have amassed a staggering 1,685 criminal convictions. The offenses reported include serious crimes such as murder, child sexual assault, robbery, and arson. Notably, one individual among those arrested had illegally entered the United States a remarkable 40 times.
Speaking about the operation, Gabriel Martinez, the acting field office director for ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations in Houston, emphasized the dedication and bravery of the agency’s officers. He stated, “Despite attempts by some to undermine the courageous work being done by our officers, the brave men and women of ICE continue to put their lives on the line every day to arrest violent transnational gang members, foreign fugitives, and dangerous criminal aliens.”
Martinez related a particularly harrowing incident to underline the gravity of the situation. “In just the past couple of years in Houston, transnational gang members were responsible for brutally raping and murdering an innocent 12-year-old girl on her way to the store,” he lamented. He affirmed that the agency’s efforts are critical to prevent similar atrocities in the future, stating, “Our officers know their efforts can help prevent atrocities like that from ever occurring again, and they won’t rest until they’re all gone.”
The arrested gang members include those affiliated with notorious gangs such as MS-13, Tren de Aragua, Latin Kings, Paisas, Surenos-13, and Tango Blast.
Among those apprehended was Milton Alexander Magana Fuentes, a 31-year-old gang member from El Salvador, who was arrested on July 2. Known for his criminal activities, he has illegally entered the U.S. four times and has convictions including sexual indecency with a child and failure to register as a sex offender.
Another individual, Ronald Alberto Rivas-Aguilar, a 28-year-old MS-13 gang member from El Salvador, was arrested on July 21. His record includes multiple illegal entries and a conviction for homicide.
Humberto Romero Avila, a 45-year-old member of the Paisas gang from Mexico, was taken into custody on January 31 after illegally entering the U.S. ten times. He was deported back to Mexico, where he was wanted for homicide. His criminal history in the U.S. includes multiple DWI convictions and illegal entries.
Jonathan Josue Valle-Moralez, a 31-year-old previously deported MS-13 member from El Salvador, was arrested on February 24. He was charged with unlawful possession of a firearm and has been transferred to the U.S. Marshals Service for prosecution related to homicide.
On April 16, Javier Ivan Montoya-Avila, a 34-year-old Paisas gang member from Mexico, was arrested. He has illegally entered the U.S. 26 times and his criminal convictions include burglary and tampering with government records.
The list continues with Jose Angel Martinez, a 39-year-old child predator from Mexico, arrested on May 7. He entered the U.S. illegally five times and has a record of serious offenses including sexual indecency and aggravated assault.
Luis Fernando Nava-Garcia, a 20-year-old Paisas gang member, was arrested on May 5 after having illegally entered the U.S. 40 times, with convictions for illegal reentry.
Gerardo Ortega-Contreras, a 43-year-old previously deported member of the Tango Blast, was apprehended on June 26, having a track record of multiple convictions including DWI and burglary. His total list of offenses spans various crimes, showcasing a pattern of serious legal violations.
Juan Manuel Cayetano-Vasquez, a 48-year-old gang member, was arrested on March 26. He illegally entered the U.S. 13 times, with numerous convictions for drug possession and resisting arrest, showcasing his extensive criminal history during his time in the country.
Jonathan Morales-Abundis, arrested on April 9, is a 30-year-old Surenos-13 gang member with a shocking 29 illegal entries and multiple convictions for illegal reentry and alien smuggling.
Jose Pizano-Tierrablanca, another Surenos-13 member, was arrested on April 8. His criminal history includes sexual indecency with a minor alongside his illegal entry charges.
Samuel Valenzuela Martinez, a 55-year-old Paisas gang member, was arrested on July 7 after entering the U.S. five times, with six convictions for DWI among other offenses.
Luis Alberto Hernandez, a 46-year-old Latin Kings gang member, was apprehended on February 6; he has faced multiple charges, including domestic violence and drug trafficking, alongside several illegal reentries.
Finally, Juan Pablo Hernandez Ramos, a 35-year-old child predator linked to the Paisas gang, was arrested on February 14. His criminal background includes severe offenses like possession with the intent to promote child pornography and sexual assault.
ICE has urged the public to report suspected violations of immigration law and other suspicious activities by calling their number or completing an online tip form. This operation emphasizes ICE’s ongoing commitment to enhancing public safety by targeting gang members and individuals with serious criminal records.
For further inquiries or to report any suspicious activity, members of the public can reach ICE via phone at 866-347-2423 or fill out an online tip form.
image source from：fox26houston
