ICE Conducts Major Deportation Operation in Texas, Arrests 174 Criminal Migrants

ICE Conducts Major Deportation Operation in Texas, Arrests 174 Criminal Migrants

A significant crackdown on illegal immigration in Texas has led to the arrest and deportation of over 170 individuals with criminal backgrounds, according to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, commonly known as ICE.

On Thursday, ICE’s Houston office reported that the recent operation, which took place over two weeks, resulted in the detention of notable offenders, including two individuals convicted of homicide-related charges. Among those apprehended was Julian Estrada-Garcia, a Mexican national with an extraordinary record of 39 illegal entries into the United States.

Details of the Operation

The operation, conducted from March 17 to March 28, led to the capture of 174 criminal migrants, of which 24 were identified as gang members. This enforcement effort contributes to ongoing initiatives aimed at reducing crime linked to undocumented migrants.

The arrested migrants collectively accounted for a staggering 610 criminal convictions in total. These offenses included four convictions for rape or sexual assault, and five for child sexual offenses. In addition, serious violations like 146 driving while intoxicated crimes and 72 aggravated assaults were recorded.

Focus on Public Safety

Bret Bradford, who serves as the field office director for ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations in Houston, emphasized the importance of this operation as part of the agency’s broader mission to enhance public safety. He remarked that these efforts represent a small snapshot of their daily work, which involves apprehending dangerous criminals and transnational gang members.

The recent operation was preceded by a previous multiagency initiative in the area, which resulted in nearly 543 criminal migrants being arrested, including seven gang members.

Understanding the Impact of Criminal Migrants

Bradford pointed out the risks posed by criminal aliens, stating that they often prey on innocent citizens. He noted that the commitment to justice fuels their ongoing efforts to protect public safety.

The collection of criminal migrants removed during this latest operation reveals concerning patterns in repeat offenses. For instance, the 36-year-old Mexican national apprehended for his 39th illegal entry had previously faced charges for illegal entry on four occasions, in addition to being convicted for driving while intoxicated, drug offenses, and fraud.

Another individual, a 48-year-old Mexican national now facing deportation, had been removed from the U.S. 13 times and holds an extensive rap sheet with 25 criminal convictions, including seven for narcotics offenses.

A Closer Look at Repeat Offenders

In addition to the aforementioned cases, the operation identified a 50-year-old member of the Florencia 13 gang. This individual had previously been deported eight times and has a record including domestic violence and drug possession charges.

Interestingly, some migrants had been removed multiple times before. Two now-deported Mexican nationals, recognized for their persistent offenses, have together amassed 11 convictions for driving while intoxicated.

The Broader Deportation Efforts

The Trump administration has seen a notable increase in deportations, having removed over 100,000 undocumented migrants in just ten weeks since Donald Trump returned to office on January 20. This information emerges from a report by the New York Post, which cited sources within the Department of Homeland Security.

These extensive figures indicate that the administration is on track to fulfill its promise of conducting the largest domestic deportation operation in American history.

Future Operations and Community Safety

As heightened enforcement efforts continue, the focus remains on safeguarding communities from individuals who threaten public safety. ICE remains committed to aggressive action against anyone undermining the rule of law and endangering the lives of law-abiding citizens.

The recent operations not only highlight the ongoing challenges posed by illegal immigration but also reflect a broader national dialogue about security, law enforcement, and community safety. Moving forward, it is clear that ICE will remain vigilant in its enforcement efforts while navigating the complexities surrounding immigration policy in the United States.

Reported by Fox News’ Brooke Taylor, this article sheds light on the implications of recent actions by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement amidst a rapidly evolving immigration landscape.