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EXCLUSIVE: Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents conducted a comprehensive operation in Houston, resulting in the arrest of 422 individuals suspected of being undocumented migrants. This intensive weeklong operation aimed particularly at apprehending known criminal offenders.
Among those arrested, ICE located a migrant wanted for murder in Colombia. ICE officers engaged in a 10-hour timeline that captured the moment they arrested this individual at his apartment complex.
In detailing the case, ICE Houston Director Bret Bradford confirmed, “This suspect has a homicide conviction in Colombia and was sentenced to 21 years for that crime. He entered the United States illegally in February 2024. After receiving a scheduled court date for an immigration hearing, he failed to appear, resulting in an order for removal by an immigration judge in March of the same year.”
Public safety remains a priority for ICE during such enforcement operations. Bradford emphasized the importance of targeting high-risk individuals posing significant threats to communities.
Out of the 422 arrested during this operation, the statistics reveal that 262 individuals have prior criminal convictions, 34 face pending charges, and 229 had final orders of removal. ICE continues to focus its efforts on those with significant criminal backgrounds.
One notable apprehension involved a 72-year-old migrant from Mexico, previously ordered for removal in 2018. His criminal track record includes a conviction for homicide, robbery, shoplifting, and assault.
Another incident showcased a 40-year-old individual, Hector Castillo-Garcia, who attempted to evade capture both in his vehicle and on foot. Castillo-Garcia had been previously deported twice and possesses a history of various criminal charges, including arson and aggravated assault.
The ICE Field Office in Houston operates with a dedicated team of analysts focused on identifying the most dangerous criminals. Bradford remarked on the team’s mission, stating, “We aim to track the worst offenders who present the most significant threats to public safety. Our process includes thorough database research, surveillance, and understanding individual patterns of movement to establish the highest priority targets for arrest.”
Enhancing operational efficiency, ICE is implementing a new ‘hub and spoke’ system that accelerates the removal process for those with final orders of removal. Bradford explained how this system works: “We can apprehend an individual in the morning, process them in the afternoon, and have them on a return flight the same evening. This expedited process not only reduces taxpayer costs but also allows for a more efficient removal method.”
Exclusive footage captures 80 detainees in Houston boarding a flight aimed at the designated El Paso hub. This initiative highlights the agency’s commitment to swiftly address illegal immigration.
Arrest Data Overview:
ICE’s recent operation yielded significant data concerning the criminal backgrounds of the apprehended individuals.
Criminal Convictions Breakdown:
- Aggravated Assault: 24
- Assault: 35
- Burglary: 6
- Driving While Intoxicated: 48
- Narcotics-related Offenses: 37
- Forgery/Fraud: 10
- Obstruction/Resisting Arrest: 21
- Murder: 1
- Robbery: 6
- Sexual Assault (adult): 6
- Sexual Assault-Child/Minor: 5
- Smuggling Aliens: 10
- Terroristic Threat: 5
- Vehicle Theft: 6
- Weapons Offense: 9
Gang Affiliations: Five individuals associated with gangs were arrested during this operation.
In summation, the recent ICE operation in Houston has underscored the agency’s commitment to enhancing public safety through targeted enforcement actions. With continued efforts to apprehend individuals posing significant threats, ICE remains focused on its mission of safeguarding communities while enforcing immigration laws.
