HOUSTON — In a concerted effort aimed at enhancing public safety, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced the arrest of 422 illegal aliens during an extensive operation conducted from May 4 to May 10 in the Houston area. Among those apprehended, 296 were identified as criminal aliens with a range of serious convictions.
According to ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Houston Field Office Director Bret Bradford, this operation was critical in addressing a growing concern within communities.
“In recent years, some of the world’s most dangerous fugitives, transnational gang members, and criminal aliens have taken advantage of the crisis at our nation’s southern border to illegally enter the U.S.,” Bradford stated.
He emphasized the threat these individuals pose, having infiltrated local neighborhoods and inflicted harm on innocent residents.
“Fueled by our unwavering commitment to protect the public from harm, and united in our determination to re-establish sovereignty over our southern border, the law enforcement community in Texas has banded together to remove these dangerous criminals from our country and restore law and order in our communities,” Bradford added.
The operation notably included several high-profile arrests of criminal aliens.
Among the detainees was a 46-year-old from Colombia, arrested on May 7, who has previously been convicted of homicide and providing false information to law enforcement.
Another significant case involved a 40-year-old three-time deportee from Mexico, apprehended on May 8, with multiple convictions including possession of a controlled substance, illegal discharge of a firearm, and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
Also arrested was a 32-year-old five-time deportee from Mexico on May 7, who has prior convictions for burglary and aggravated assault.
Additionally, a 45-year-old from Mexico, arrested on May 5, was convicted of sexual exploitation of a minor, while a 72-year-old criminal alien, also from Mexico, apprehended on May 6, faced homicide among other charges.
ICE’s operational strategy focused not only on immediate arrests but also on deporting individuals who have exhausted all legal remedies against their removal from the U.S.
To facilitate this, ICE Houston implemented a new initiative designed under the current administration, directing aliens to designated processing hubs on the southern border.
This process enables rapid deportation, allowing individuals to be removed within 24 to 72 hours of their arrest.
“This initiative will save taxpayers millions of dollars each year by significantly reducing the time that aliens who have exhausted due process and been ordered removed from the U.S. need to be in ICE custody,” Bradford explained.
A collaborative effort involving various law enforcement agencies was essential for the operation’s success.
Agencies assisting ICE included U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Diplomatic Security Service, the FBI, the U.S. Marshals Service, and the Texas Department of Public Safety.
Law enforcement leaders emphasized the importance of inter-agency collaboration in maximizing public safety.
William Kimbell, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Houston Division, highlighted that illegal activities lead to further crime, underscoring the need for joint operations to dismantle drug networks.
“These operations have allowed us to share our resources with our federal partners and expand our scope of DEA drug trafficking investigations to achieve the common goal of making communities safer,” Kimbell stated.
Joseph Burnette, Acting Special Agent-in-Charge of the DSS Houston Field Office, reaffirmed the integral role of the Diplomatic Security Service in not only combating illegal immigration but also in addressing those who exploit the U.S. travel system.
He noted that the collaborative approach aids in investigating transnational crimes and apprehending law violators.
Michael Weddel, ATF Houston Special Agent in Charge, echoed the necessity of teamwork among federal, state, and local agencies, noting that their unified efforts are pivotal in addressing threats to community safety.
In his remarks, Jeremy D. Battenfield, Acting Director of CBP Air and Marine Operations Houston Air Branch, emphasized the efficiency and safety of deportation operations supported by their team.
“By supporting the President’s executive order, we ensure that individuals subject to removal are processed appropriately,” Battenfield indicated.
Douglas Williams, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Houston, also acknowledged the enhanced resources dedicated to identifying and detaining high-risk individuals, demonstrating the FBI’s commitment to public safety.
Members of the public can remain vigilant by reporting suspicious activity or crime through a dedicated hotline at 866-347-2423 or by using an online tip form.
For more information regarding the missions and operations of ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations, follow their updates on social media at X: @ICEgovERO.
image source from：https://www.ice.gov/news/releases/ice-houston-arrests-422-illegal-aliens-deports-528-during-week-long-operation-aimed
