Over the Weekend, ICE Arrested Murderers, Pedophiles, Rapists, Child Abusers and Gang Members

 Press Release:

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY Office of Public Affairs

Over the Weekend, ICE Arrested Murderers, Pedophiles, Rapists, Child Abusers and Gang Members Nearly 70% of ICE arrests are of illegal aliens charged or convicted of a crime in the U.S. WASHINGTON — Over the weekend, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested criminal illegal aliens convicted for murder, aggravated sexual assault of a child and rape. “While Americans enjoyed their weekend, the brave men and women of ICE law enforcement were working hard to remove criminal illegal aliens from our communities, including murderers, pedophiles, rapists, child abusers, gang members and other depraved criminals,” said Acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis. “Under President Trump, the safety of the American people comes FIRST. Nearly 70% of ICE arrests are of criminal illegal aliens with charges or convictions in the U.S.” Arrests over the weekend include: Roy Smith, a criminal illegal alien from Barbados, convicted for murder in Brooklyn, New York. Pedro Portillo-Retana, a criminal illegal alien from Mexico, convicted for aggravated sexual assault of a child in Denton County, Texas. Julio Cesar Vasquez-Mazariegos, a criminal illegal alien from Mexico, convicted for rape in Newport News, Virginia. Francisco Esquivel-Ramirez, a criminal illegal alien from Honduras, convicted for endangering of a child by a caretaker in Hunterdon County, New Jersey. Carlos Eduardo Baldovinos-Del Cid, a criminal illegal alien from Mexico, convicted for kidnapping a victim under 14-years-old and criminal threats in Reno, Nevada. Joan Sebastian Lancheros-Palacios, a criminal illegal alien from Colombia and member of the Latin Boys gang, convicted for first-degree burglary in Los Angeles, California. Mario Zavala-Zuniga, a criminal illegal alien from Honduras, convicted for second-degree kidnapping in Durham County, North Carolina. Artemio Rubio-Suniga from Mexico, convicted for deadly conduct in Harris County, Texas. Jose Razo-Roa, a criminal illegal alien from Mexico, convicted for deadly conduct in Harris County, Texas. Virgilio Cortes Salina, a criminal illegal alien from Mexico, convicted for assault in Robertson County, Tennessee. Alejandro Gutierrez Genchi, a criminal illegal alien from Mexico, convicted for assault in Omaha, Nebraska. Ilsias De Leon Cruz, a criminal illegal alien from Guatemala, convicted for TWO counts of domestic violence, TWO counts of driving under the influence of liquor, forgery and fraud – impersonating. Junior Isaula, a criminal illegal alien from Honduras, convicted for offer to commit prostitution or lewdness in Davenport, Florida. Santos Rivera-Romero, a criminal illegal alien from Mexico, convicted for trafficking methamphetamine in Wake County, North Carolina. Laura Lizeth Parra-Contreras, a criminal illegal alien from Colombia, convicted for retail theft in Springettsbury, Pennsylvania. Americans can see more public safety threats arrested in their communities on our webpage WOW.DHS.Gov.

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Making America Safe Again: ICE Arrests Gang Members and Illegals Aliens Involved in a Vehicle Theft Ring in Dallas, Texas

 Press Release:

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY Office of Public Affairs

Making America Safe Again: ICE Arrests Gang Members and Illegals Aliens Involved in a Vehicle Theft Ring in Dallas, Texas DHS has arrested more than 7,800 criminal illegal alien gang members from American communities since President Trump took office WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) today announced U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) made three high impact arrests in Dallas including a Tren de Aragua gang member, an MS-13 gang member, and a criminal illegal alien involved in a vehicle theft ring. “This targeted multi-day operation resulted in high impact arrests of a Tren de Aragua gang member, an MS-13 gang member, and an illegal alien involved in a vehicle theft ring in Dallas, Texas. Our law enforcement officers risk their lives every day to arrest and remove public safety threats from American communities,” said Acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis. “Under President Trump, ICE has arrested more than 7,800 gang members. ICE is delivering day-in and day-out on the American people’s mandate to make America safe again.” During the targeted operation in Dallas, TX on March 18 and March 19, ICE arrested: Jhonny Colmenares-Sepulveda, a criminal illegal alien from Venezuela and Tren de Aragua gang member. Colmenares-Sepulveda entered the U.S. in August 2023 in Brownsville, Texas and was RELEASED into the country under the Biden administration. Fernando Avilez-Romero, a criminal illegal alien from El Salvador and self-admitted MS-13 gang member. Avilez-Romero illegally entered the U.S. in 2013 and was RELEASED by the Obama administration into the U.S. He was eventually granted a green card. His criminal history includes two convictions for assault causing bodily injury and dangerous drugs. His felony criminal convictions allowed ICE to place him in removal proceedings. Fabian Rodriguez-Ortiz, a criminal illegal alien from Venezuela and associate of a vehicle theft ring. He illegally entered the U.S. in 2023 and was RELEASED into the country under the Biden administration. He was issued a final order of removal from an immigration judge in November 2025.

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 Press Release:

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY Office of Public Affairs

ICE Asks Politicians to Not Release Criminal Illegal Alien Who Slit Woman’s Throat in Salt Lake City, Utah Nearly 70% of illegal aliens ICE arrested across the country have criminal convictions or pending criminal charges in the U.S. WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) today announced U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) lodged an arrest detainer requesting politicians not release Mexican criminal illegal alien—Jesus Alejandro Ramirez-Padilla— who has been charged with attempted murder in Salt Lake City, Utah.   According to local reports, this criminal was high on methamphetamine when he attacked a woman in an alley. Ramirez-Padilla reportedly strangled her from behind and she fell to the ground. He allegedly pulled out a knife and then slit her throat multiple times. The woman is in critical condition.   Ramirez-Padilla has been charged with attempted murder, obstruction of justice, aggravated assault, and drug paraphernalia.   “Jesus Alejandro Ramirez-Padilla is a dangerous criminal illegal alien who violently strangled and slit a woman’s throat multiple times,” said Acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis. “We are calling on politicians to not release this barbaric criminal from jail and into American neighborhoods. This criminal illegal alien has no place in American communities.”  Jesus Alejandro Ramirez-Padilla illegally entered the country at an unknown place and time.  ICE has lodged a detainer for his arrest to ensure he is not released back into American communities.

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NASHVILLE NIGHTMARE: ICE Arrests Convicted Domestic Abuser Whose Daughter Feared He Would Kill Her Mother

 Press Release:

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY Office of Public Affairs

NASHVILLE NIGHTMARE: ICE Arrests Convicted Domestic Abuser Whose Daughter Feared He Would Kill Her Mother ICE nabbed Luis Meza-Olivera following a school official tipping off ICE after his daughter expressed fear he would “kill” her mother when he was released from local custody in Tennessee WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) today released the below statement on U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) March 14 arrest of Luis Meza-Olivera, a criminal alien from Peru, in Nashville, Tennessee. Meza-Olivera has an extensive criminal history with convictions across multiple states, including aggravated kidnapping, arson, and aggravated assault in Tennessee, and driving under the influence in California. He was also charged with attempted first-degree murder and vandalism in Tennessee and willful cruelty to a child in California. ICE became aware of his release by a tip from a school official who warned officers that Meza-Olivera's daughter told school officials her father was being released and she feared that he would kill her mother. Meza-Olivera According to court documents, Meza-Olivera locked a woman in a bathroom and lit a fire outside of it while she was unable to open the door to escape in 2011. In 2015, Washington County Sheriff’s office rescued the woman after she was found locked in a bedroom, “hogtied,” and with a rope tied around her neck. According to court documents, her five-year-old son called 9-1-1 to report the incident. “Luis Meza-Olivera is a monster whose daughter feared he would kill her mother. This criminal alien from Peru should NOT be loose on American streets,” said Acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis. “Thanks to a school official who left a tip for ICE, this individual is now in ICE custody and will enter removal proceedings. Americans can report tips to our brave law enforcement to help keep their communities safe when sanctuary politicians won’t by contacting our ICE Tip Line: 866-DHS-2-ICE (1-866-347-2423).” Meza-Olivera entered the U.S. in 2002 on a B-2 tourist visa. In 2010, he adjusted his status to that of a lawful permanent resident. His convictions make him eligible for removal from the U.S.  He will remain in ICE custody pending removal proceedings. Anonymous tips may be reported on this form and via the toll-free ICE tip line, (866) 347-2423.

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ICE Asks Governor Pritzker and Chicago Sanctuary Politicians to Not Release Criminal Illegal Alien Accused of Killing 18-Year-Old Loyola College Student

 Press Release:

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY Office of Public Affairs

ICE Asks Governor Pritzker and Chicago Sanctuary Politicians to Not Release Criminal Illegal Alien Accused of Killing 18-Year-Old Loyola College Student Jose Medina-Medina was previously RELEASED after an arrest for shoplifting in Chicago WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) today announced U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) lodged an arrest detainer asking sanctuary politicians to not release Jose Medina-Medina, a Venezuelan criminal illegal alien arrested for killing 18-year-old Sheridan Gorman in Chicago, Illinois. According to local reports, 18-year-old Loyola University student Sheridan Gorman was shot and killed on Thursday morning around 1:00 am while she was walking in a park with friends. Medina-Medina is accused of approaching her while wearing a mask and armed with a gun. As she attempted to flee, he fired his gun and shot her. Gorman was shot and pronounced dead at the scene. Sheridan Gorman On May 9, 2023, Medina-Medina was apprehended by the U.S. Border Patrol and released into the country under the Biden administration. He was then released again on June 19, 2023, following an arrest for shoplifting in Chicago, Illinois. Jose Medina-Medina “Sheridan Gorman had her whole life ahead of her before this cold-blooded killer decided to end her life. She was failed by open border policies and sanctuary politicians who RELEASED this illegal alien TWICE before he went on to commit this heinous murder,” said Acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis. “We are calling on Governor J.B. Pritzker and Chicago’s sanctuary politicians to commit to not releasing this criminal illegal alien from jail back into American neighborhoods.” In December 2025, ICE Director Todd Lyons sent a letter to Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul calling on him to put the safety of Americans first and honor ICE arrest detainers of the more than 4,000 criminal illegal aliens in the state’s custody including murderers, sexual predators, and those convicted of or charged with weapons offenses. DHS law enforcement is protecting American communities every day from another senseless tragedy like this taking place in another town, to another family. Victims of illegal alien crime may receive support from the Victims of Immigration Crime Engagement (VOICE) Office by contacting 1-855-488-6423.

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ICE Arrests Pedophiles, Multiple Murderers, and Drug Traffickers

 Press Release:

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY Office of Public Affairs

ICE Arrests Pedophiles, Multiple Murderers, and Drug Traffickers Nearly 70% of ICE arrests are of illegal aliens charged or convicted of a crime in the United States WASHINGTON – Yesterday, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested more criminal illegal aliens convicted for heinous crimes including murder, lewd acts with a child, forcible sexual abuse, and possession and intent to distribute methamphetamine.  “The media and sanctuary politicians continuously ignore the criminal illegal aliens ICE law enforcement is arresting from American neighborhoods,” said Acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis. “Yesterday alone, ICE arrested multiple murderers, pedophiles, and drug traffickers. President Trump has been clear: If you break the law, you will face the consequences. Criminal illegal aliens are not welcome in the U.S.” Yesterday’s arrests include: Santos Cornelio Ramos Vasquez, a criminal illegal alien from Guatemala and registered sex offender, convicted for TWO COUNTS of lewd or lascivious acts with a minor child under 14-years-old in Los Angeles, California. Cesar Verduzco-Rojas, a criminal illegal alien from Mexico, convicted for murder in Perris, California. Jermaine Dalton Crosley, a criminal illegal alien from Jamaica, convicted for third-degree murder in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Alber Eleazar Blanco, a criminal illegal alien from Venezuela, convicted for forcible sexual abuse in Provo, Utah. Jose Manuel Ruiz Preciado, a criminal illegal alien from Mexico, convicted for possession and intent to distribute methamphetamine in U.S. District Court for the District of Kansas. Americans can see more public safety threats arrested in their communities on our webpage WOW.DHS.Gov.

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 Press Release:

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY Office of Public Affairs

Texas Rep. Veronica Escobar Staffer Masquerades as an Attorney to Repeatedly Sneak into ICE facility  Rep. Escobar’s staffer Benito Torres repeatedly FALSELY claimed to be an attorney representing detainees and even signed federal paperwork attesting to being an attorney for specific detainees WASHINGTON — On March 18, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Director Todd M. Lyons sent Texas Rep. Veronica Escobar a letter detailing how one of her staff members repeatedly lied and misrepresented himself as an attorney to illegally gain access to ICE detention facilities on at least 11 occasions. Rep. Escobar’s staffer, Benito Torres, attested to being an attorney or an “accredited representative appearing before EOIR on immigration matters,” claiming to possess a signed Form G-28, Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney or Accredited Representative.   He also passed out a cellphone to multiple detainees, despite being made aware that personal phones are not permitted during detainee visits.   “The available evidence demonstrates your staffer, a senior caseworker named Benito Torres, misrepresented himself as counsel for detainees in ICE custody, violated clear detention standards and security protocols prohibiting the use of cellphones inside ICE facilities, improperly met with multiple detainees, and falsely claimed to ICE personnel such use had been approved by the agency,” Director Todd Lyons wrote. “As a result of bringing a cell phone into the Camp East Montana facility, contrary to facility visitation policy, Mr. Torres’ misrepresentation that he is a licensed attorney to gain access to detainees, his improper meetings with groups of detainees, and his assertions to ICE personnel about the origins of his visit, Mr. Torres is hereby prohibited from accessing any ICE facility.”   Torres falsely claimed he was a “lawyer” visiting “client[s]” in Camp East Montana’s visitor log on Jan. 30. The facility administrator discovered that Torres was passing a phone to multiple detainees and spoke to him; at that time, Torres admitted he was not an attorney and was visiting as a private citizen. The administrator reiterated the facility’s visitation policies to Torres, who falsely claimed his visit was coordinated through Escobar’s office and ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations headquarters.  After the fraudulent visit, officials reviewed past visitor logs and discovered Torres had repeatedly represented himself as a legal professional or said he was visiting for legal reasons. ICE records show that Torres has misrepresented himself at least 11 times, including: September 26, 2025  October 9, 2025  October 14, 2025  October 24, 2025   October 31, 2025  November 25, 2025  December 4, 2025  December 12, 2025   January 2, 2026  January 23, 2026  January 30, 2026  The letter requests Escobar’s written response on several questions, including whether Torres acted on orders from or was authorized by her office to make these fraudulent visits. It also requests clarification on whether her office will cooperate with a potential federal investigation into the incident.    Other congressional staffers have tried similar ploys to fraudulently access ICE facilities and detainees; despite the fact there are processes in place to facilitate legitimate oversight. In November 2025, Sen. Tammy Duckworth fired a staffer who misrepresented himself as an attorney to do the same.   Read the full letter to Escobar below or click the attached link:  Dear Representative Escobar:  I write regarding the troubling—and potentially illegal—actions of a member of your staff in recent weeks in the context of his interactions with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and detainees held in ICE custody.  The available evidence demonstrates your staffer, a senior caseworker named Benito Torres, misrepresented himself as counsel for detainees in ICE custody, violated clear detention standards and security protocols prohibiting the use of cell phones inside ICE facilities, improperly met with multiple detainees, and falsely claimed to ICE personnel such use had been approved by the agency.  On January 30, 2026, at approximately 12:49 PM MST, while seeking to enter the Camp East Montana facility, Mr. Torres indicated he was a “lawyer” visiting “client[s].” He indicated this in the context of 11 individuals, as the image below clearly shows:  At approximately 4:00 PM MST, the Assistant Field Officer Director (AFOD) was notified by the Facility Administrator (FA) that an individual was passing a phone to multiple detainees. Upon investigation, the individual was identified as Mr. Torres. The FA spoke directly with Mr. Torres, who confirmed he was not an attorney and was visiting as a private person. Facility visitation policies, which are posted at the facility, were reiterated to Mr. Torres.  Specifically, Mr. Torres was advised that personal phones are not permitted during detainee visits; visitors may not allow detainees to use their phones; and visits with multiple detainees in a group are not permitted. Mr. Torres claimed the visits were coordinated through your office with ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) headquarters but could not provide a specific contact. Upon further investigation it was determined that, although Mr. Torres is an official staffer for you; he was not visiting the Camp East Montana facility as part of an official congressional tour or visit coordinated through the ICE Office of Congressional Relations, as the logbook entry attests.  In addition, ERO personnel confirmed no special request had been approved for Mr. Torres, and as a civilian visitor, cell phones are not permitted unless prior approval has been granted and communicated to facility leadership.  A subsequent review of ICE ERO logbooks at the Camp East Montana facility found Mr. Torres had repeatedly represented himself as a legal professional and/or visiting for legal reasons. Dates documented in ICE records include the following visits by Mr. Torres:  September 26, 2025  October 9, 2025  October 14, 2025  October 24, 2025  October 31, 2025  November 25, 2025  December 4, 2025  December 12, 2025  January 2, 2026  January 23, 2026  January 30, 2026  The review also found that on other occasions, including October 31 and November 25, 2025, Mr. Torres attested to being an attorney or “an accredited representative appearing before EOIR on immigration matters,” claiming to possess a signed Form G-28, Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney or Accredited Representative, for specific detainees. Images of these attestations are below:    Multiple contract personnel have also confirmed with ERO leadership that Mr. Torres has represented himself to each of them as an attorney.  The 2025 National Detention Standards (NDS 2025), § 2.3, Facility Security and Control, outlines standards to protect communities, staff, contractors, volunteers, and detainees from harm by ensuring facility security is maintained and that events which may pose a risk of harm are prevented. As such, detention facilities like the Camp East Montana facility are expected to have policy and procedures for conducting security inspections, including procedures for the control and prevention of contraband inside the facility.  Per ICE’s guidance regarding congressional visits to ICE facilities, which is provided to congressional offices prior to such visits, the use of cell phones inside these facilities is strictly prohibited, and violations of the policy could lead to adverse action. Specifically, the guidance notes that no “electronic recording devices or picture taking is permitted inside ICE detention facilities,” and “[i]ntroduction of contraband or other criminal violations may lead to criminal prosecution of a visitor.”  As a result of bringing a cell phone into the Camp East Montana facility, contrary to facility visitation policy, Mr. Torres’ misrepresentation that he is a licensed attorney to gain access to detainees, his improper meetings with groups of detainees, and his assertions to ICE personnel about the origins of his visit, Mr. Torres is hereby prohibited from accessing any ICE facility. The agency is authorized to impose appropriate sanctions consistent with NDS 2025 § 5.5, Visitation, II. E, which allows ICE ERO to impose a sanction upon any violator of its visitation policy, including loss of visitation privileges. ERO is the ultimate arbiter of the scope of the appropriate sanction for this violation.  While ICE continues to abide by all court orders regarding congressional access to ICE facilities, these orders do not create a blanket immunity from facility security and visitation policies. ICE ERO retains the authority to require all visitors, including yourself and your staff, to comply with neutral, generally applicable, conduct-based facility rules.   I am deeply distressed that, as ICE continues to provide your office with consistent access to ICE facilities and seeks to answer your many requests for information, a staffer from that same office would engage in such behavior. This only undermines public trust in elected officials and creates more division among the American people. I am even more disappointed that, yet another Member of Congress would tolerate such activity among her staff following a similar incident involving Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) last November, in which a then-staffer sought access to detainees by falsely representing himself as an attorney at an ICE field office.   I request your written response to the following questions by March 26, 2026:  Is Mr. Torres an employed member of your congressional staff, and was he employed             by your office on the dates of these incidents?  To your knowledge, is Mr. Torres an attorney, legal representative, or person who             otherwise meets requirements to represent a person detained in ICE custody as             required by the G-28?  To your knowledge, if Mr. Torres is an attorney, has he officially represented any             detainees at the Camp East Montana facility since September 2025?  Did Mr. Torres act on orders from your office- including yours or your Chief of Staff            or other leadership- to mislead law enforcement for the purpose of interacting with a            detainee, obtaining federal documentation about any detainee or his case, and/or            obtaining his release?  Was Mr. Torres’ travel to the Camp East Montana facility, and his intent to speak to           detainees and illicitly pass around a cell phone in violation of clear ICE policies,           authorized by your office? Were you or any other member of your staff aware of Mr.           Torres’ intentions to travel to the facility that day?  Are you aware of other occasions where Mr. Torres engaged in making false            statements or other such behavior? Did you authorize any such actions on any            occasion? If you did not do so, who in your office was responsible for such            authorization?  Are you aware that falsifying, concealing, or covering up by any trick, scheme, or            device of a material fact to a federal agent, as well as making or using any false            writing or document knowing the same to contain any materially false, fictitious, or            fraudulent statement or entry, in any matter within the jurisdiction of the U.S.            government, are federal crimes (see 18 U.S.C. § 1001)?  Do you condone the behavior of Mr. Torres? If not, how will you hold Mr. Torres            accountable for these actions?  Will your office cooperate with a potential federal investigation into the incident            described in this letter and potential wrongdoing by a member of your congressional            staff?   I look forward to your responses to these important questions, and I implore all members of the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate, as well as their staff, to refrain from engaging in political games that put law enforcement and detainees at risk.  If you have questions or would like to discuss this matter further, please contact the ICE Office of Congressional Relations via email at CongresstoICE@ice.dhs.gov.  Sincerely,  Todd M. Lyons  Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Director

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