ICE Arrests Child Abusers, Violent Thugs, and Robbers

 Press Release:

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

ICE Arrests Child Abusers, Violent Thugs, and Robbers Today marked the one-year anniversary of the re-opening of the VOICE office that was created in President Trump’s first term in office that was shuttered by the Biden administration WASHINGTON –– U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) today announced the arrest of more criminal illegal aliens from across the country, convicted for injury to a child, assault with a semiautomatic firearm, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, robbery, and other despicable crimes. These arrests coincide with the one-year anniversary of ICE reopening its Victims of Immigration Crime Engagement (VOICE) Office. VOICE focuses on helping victims of crime with a nexus to immigration, and their families, by providing them with the resources and support that they need. VOICE was originally launched under the first Trump administration but was then shuttered by the Biden administration. “The brave men and women of ICE law enforcement continue to target criminal illegal aliens in our communities to prevent another American from being raped, maimed, or murdered by an illegal alien who should have NEVER been in our country. The American victims are why we fight,” said Acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis. “Yesterday, ICE arrested multiple violent assailants, including one depraved monster who injured a CHILD. With every arrest, ICE is making American communities safer. We will never stop fighting for justice for the victims of illegal alien crime.” Arrests include: Juan Lorenzo Hurtado-Flores, a criminal illegal alien from Peru, convicted for criminal obstruction of breathing/blood circulation / injury to a child in White Plains, New York. Vu Nguyen, a criminal illegal alien from Vietnam, convicted for assault with a semiautomatic firearm in Pasadena, California. Omar Alexander Rodriguez-Grande, a criminal illegal alien from El Salvador, convicted for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon in Harris County, Texas. Oscar Fransisco, a criminal illegal alien from Guatemala, convicted for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon in Palm Beach, Florida. Josue Coreas-Chavez, a criminal illegal alien from El Salvador, convicted for robbery in Riverhead, New York. Americans can see more public safety threats arrested in their communities on our webpage WOW.DHS.Gov.

# # #

Coast Guard Cutter “Escanaba” Seizes More than $33 Million Worth of Cocaine in a Single Interdiction

 Press Release:

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

Coast Guard Cutter “Escanaba” Seizes More than $33 Million Worth of Cocaine in a Single Interdiction WASHINGTON – The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter (USCGC) Escanaba seized 4,510 pounds of cocaine, valued at $33.9 million, during a routine patrol in the Eastern Pacific Ocean on Easter Sunday. A U.S. maritime patrol aircraft notified Escanaba that a crew on a suspected narco-terrorist vessel was throwing contraband overboard. Escanaba launched its MH-65 Dolphin helicopter aircrew to investigate and marked the suspected drugs off the coast of Manta, Ecuador. Escanaba’s crew deployed its over-the-horizon cutter pursuit boat crew and relaunched the helicopter aircrew to recover the contraband. In total, the Escanaba boat crew seized over 4,510 pounds of cocaine and took it back to the cutter. “Operation Pacific Viper plays a central part of President Trump’s fight against the cartels at sea, cutting off their ability to make money by trafficking their poison into our country,” said DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin. “This operation has already seized over 215,000 pounds of cocaine and has arrested over 160 suspected narco-traffickers. The brave men and women of the Coast Guard are saving American lives by keeping these deadly drugs out of our communities and off our streets.” Launched in August of 2025, Operation Pacific Viper has accelerated counter-drug operations in the Eastern Pacific, a popular route for drug-smuggling from Latin America. The Coast Guard has surged cutters, aircraft, and tactical teams to interdict, seize, and disrupt the flow of cocaine and other illicit drugs. These efforts are a critical part of the Trump administration’s strategy to fight narco-terrorism and dismantle transnational criminal organizations. In February, the Coast Guard hit a major milestone by seizing 200,000 pounds of cocaine since this operation began. Overall, the Coast Guard has seized over 215,000 pounds of cocaine and apprehended 160 suspected narco-traffickers through Operation Pacific Viper. This operation led to the Coast Guard’s largest-ever drug offload in history in August of 2025, when USCGC Hamilton offloaded over 76,000 pounds of illegal drugs, valued at $473 million. Pacific Viper also saw the largest amount of cocaine seized by a single cutter in one patrol in the Coast Guard’s history, when USCGC Stone offloaded over 49,000 pounds of illicit narcotics, valued at $362 million, in November of 2025.

# # #

ICE Requests Missouri Not Release Monstrous Illegal Alien Who Murdered 15-Year-Old Boy

 Press Release:

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

ICE Requests Missouri Not Release Monstrous Illegal Alien Who Murdered 15-Year-Old Boy Miles Young’s final words before being shot were “I just don’t want to die” WASHINGTON – Today, the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has issued an arrest detainer for an illegal alien who reportedly targeted and lured a 15-year-old boy to his death in a vicious ambush in Missouri. Authorities in Greene County, Missouri, conducted a two-week manhunt to locate and arrest Yefry Archaga-Elvir, an 18-year-old illegal alien from Honduras who is accused of murdering 15-year-old Miles Young on March 12. 15-year-old Miles Young, the victim  According to reports, Archaga-Elvir and several other suspects lured Young into believing he was meeting a girl. Per the prosecutor in the case, Archaga-Elvir and others then used their vehicles to block Young’s vehicle. Per a witness, when Young tried to flee on foot, Archaga-Elvir chased him down and shot him in the chest with a handgun. Witnesses also said that Young’s final words before being shot were “I just don’t want to die.” 18-year-old Yefry Archaga-Elvir, criminal illegal alien After the murder, Archaga-Elvir “made a phone call” and “was braggadocios” about killing Young, police said in a probable cause affidavit.   “Miles Young was lured to his death believing he was going to meet a girl. Instead, he was ambushed and killed in cold blood by this illegal alien who went on to brag about the murder,” said Acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis. “This animal was released into our country by the Obama administration. ICE lodged an arrest detainer requesting Missouri not release this depraved killer from jail into American neighborhoods.” Archaga-Elvir was first arrested in Texas as an accompanied minor in 2015. The Obama Administration released him into the country.

# # #

 Press Release:

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

THIS IS OUR WHY: Trump Administration Welcomes Angel Families to D.C. to Mark the One-Year Re-Opening of VOICE Office  The VOICE office was shuttered by the Biden administration, leaving many victims of alien crime without access to many key support services and resources  WASHINGTON – Today, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) welcomed Angel Families to Washington, D.C. to mark the one-year anniversary of the re-opening of the Victims of Immigration Crime Engagement (VOICE) Office. This office provides support to victims and their families who had their lives irreparably harmed due to alien crime.   VOICE was created during the first Trump Administration—only for the Biden Administration to shutter its doors and leave victims of illegal alien crime without access to many key support services and resources. Last year on April 9th, the Trump administration re-opened the VOICE office and put American victims and their families first.   The VOICE Office helps victims of crime and their families by:  Helping victims follow and understand the immigration enforcement and removal process. Signing up victims to receive automated custody status information on criminal aliens in ICE custody. Providing additional criminal or immigration history about illegal aliens to victims or their families. Explaining where a victim may have the opportunity to provide a victim impact statement in applicable cases. Giving access to social service professionals and local contacts who can help connect victims to resources and service providers. Over the past year, the VOICE Office fielded nearly 900 calls from victims, family members and advocates seeking information and assistance. Among those calls, 32% involved violent assault, 15% involved rape or sexual assault, 9% involved homicide or manslaughter, 7% involved family or partner violence, and 6% involved stalking or intimidation.   Three “Angel Mothers,” whose children were killed or permanently injured and lives forever changed by criminal illegal aliens — Jennifer Bos, Patricia Fox, and Agnes Gibboney — shared their powerful stories during the press conference.  “President Trump has so passionately tried to honor and support Angel Families,” said Angel Mother Jennifer Bos. “He created the VOICE office in his first term. The Biden, administration didn’t have any use for it, so they shut it down and it had just been reopened when I received the call telling me they were here to help us. They would tell us how to track Megan’s perpetrator while he was in custody, and they offered to connect us to local support services. They were there to listen to our needs, and they would help us anyway they could. It was very reassuring.”  Megan Bos “Thank you for the only justice and closure that my family will ever receive,” said Angel Mother Patricia Fox. “Thank you, President Trump. Thank you, DHS and everybody that’s here. I am inspired by the other Angel families who are up here. And I pray that there is not another Angel Family that joins us. Illegal immigration is not a victimless crime. There are repercussions and my family lives it every day.”  Carissa Aspnes “When I connected with the ICE VOICE office it gave me something I desperately needed: peace of mind was one,” said Angel Mother Agnes Gibboney. “In the middle of fear and confusion, I had someone to call, I had someone that could give me answers to questions the California Department of Corrections wouldn’t, and someone who would be there to listen to me. That mattered more to me than I can put into words, and it still does, and I still refer other families to VOICE because I know the value of the office because I truly believe in it.”  Ronald Da Silva “President Trump and I will never stop fighting for justice for the American victims and their families who have been harmed by illegal aliens who should have never been in our country,” said Secretary Markwayne Mullin. “Too often the media ignores the victims and their stories. These victims and their families are why we work around the clock to arrest and deport illegal aliens from our communities. All of these crimes were completely preventable.” “These numbers represent real people, individuals, and families who have experienced unimaginable harm and are looking for answers, support, and accountability.” said ICE Director Todd M. Lyons. “The VOICE Office exists to ensure they are heard, informed, and treated with dignity they deserve. Behind every statistic is a person, and we remain committed to meeting their needs.”  Of illegal aliens arrested by ICE law enforcement, nearly 70% have committed a crime or been charged with a crime in the U.S. 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.

# # #

 Press Release

Outlaw Motorcycle Gang Member Sentenced for Armed Assault Against Rival

Tuesday, April 7, 2026

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court yesterday for his involvement in an armed assault against a member of a rival motorcycle club.

Bryan S. Fletcher, also known as “Fletch,” 49, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Greg Kays to eighty-four months in federal prison without parole for assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering and possession of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.

On Sept. 17, 2022, Fletcher and twelve other members of the Pagan’s and their support club, the Los Valerosos, chased and forced a lone rival gang member from the road in Blue Springs, Mo.  Various members of the Pagan’s and Los Valerosos were armed with firearms and at least one axe handle.  Fletcher, who was an associate of the Los Valerosos at the time, and others confronted the victim on the side of the roadway. The victim was shot seven times, with wounds to his knee, thigh, forearm, biceps, buttocks and back of his leg.  Fletcher and several others fled the scene before law enforcement could arrive.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bradley K. Kavanaugh and Robert Smith. It was investigated by the FBI, the Independence, Mo., Police Department, the Blue Springs, Mo., Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department.

Operation Take Back America

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

 Press Release

Former Employee of National Industrial Company Pleads Guilty to Crimes Related to Hacking Computer Networks and Extorting Employees

Thursday, April 2, 2026

TRENTON, N.J. – A Missouri man has pleaded guilty to crimes related to his hacking of computer networks and extortion of employees, U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer announced.

Daniel Rhyne, 59, of Kansas City, Missouri, pleaded guilty on April 1, 2026 before U.S. District Judge Michael A. Shipp in Trenton federal court to an information charging him with extortion in relation to a threat to cause damage to a protected computer and intentional damage to a protected computer.

According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:

Rhyne, then a New Jersey resident, worked as a core infrastructure engineer at a U.S.-based industrial company headquartered in New Jersey (“Victim-1”). In or around November 2023, Rhyne took steps to execute a scheme to hack Victim-1’s computer network and extort Victim-1 into paying a ransom. Specifically, and among other things, Rhyne initiated unauthorized remote desktop sessions and prepared for the attack by scheduling tasks that would trigger damage to Victim-1’s network. These tasks included deleting network administrator accounts, changing passwords to certain other Victim-1 accounts, and shutting down multiple Victim-1 servers.  On November 25, 2023, Rhyne began deploying the scheduled tasks and, on the same date, sent an extortion email to Victim-1 employees in which he threatened to continue shutting down Victim-1 servers unless and until he received approximately 20 bitcoin, which, at the time, was valued at approximately $750,000.

The extortion charge to which Rhyne pleaded guilty carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison, and the intentional damage to a protected computer violation to which Rhyne pleaded guilty carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. Each violation also carries a maximum fine of $250,000 or twice the gross amount of gain or loss from the offense, whichever is greatest.

U.S. Attorney Frazer credited special agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Newark Field Office, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Roddy, with the investigation. He also thanked the FBI Kansas City, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Stephen A. Cyrus, for its assistance.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Taj Moore of the Cybercrime Unit in Newark.

                                                                       ###

Defense counsel: Jonathan F. Marshall, Esq.

Trump Administration Delivers 11 Straight Months of Zero Releases at the Border

 Press Release:

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

Trump Administration Delivers 11 Straight Months of Zero Releases at the Border Border encounters for first six months of the fiscal year are the lowest in recorded history WASHINGTON — Today, the U. S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced U.S. Border Patrol’s 11th consecutive month of zero releases at the southern border, continuing the trend of historically low border crossings. “Eleven straight months of ZERO releases at the border. Under President Donald Trump’s leadership, we are delivering the most secure border in American history,” said DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin. “The world knows America’s borders are closed to lawbreakers.” “America First policies, real consequences, and a unified federal effort—backed by personnel, infrastructure, and technology—are how we’ve delivered the most secure border in U.S. history,” said CBP Commissioner Rodney Scott. “Under President Trump and Secretary Mullin, we’re building on what works, refining our approach, and locking in real border security.  This isn’t temporary—it’s the new normal.” The sustained decline in illegal border crossings and apprehensions—now at levels not seen in over three decades—shows the impact of robust enforcement policies. With daily apprehensions down 95% from the previous administration and 14 consecutive months of fewer than 9,000 southwest border apprehensions, the border remains more secure than at any point in history. Below is a snapshot of March’s key figures. Full monthly reporting can be viewed on CBP’s Stats and Summaries webpage. Border Enforcement at Historic Levels: Illegal crossings in March remained historically low: Southwest border apprehensions were 97% lower than under Biden The U.S. Border Patrol’s apprehensions along the southwest border in March (8,268) were 90% lower than the monthly average over the last 33 years and 97% below the peak of the Biden administration (December 2023). 14th consecutive month of fewer than 9,000 southwest border apprehensions. Daily average apprehensions in March remain 95% lower than under Biden The U.S. Border Patrol’s average number of apprehensions per day along the southwest border in March (267) were 95% lower than the daily average under the Biden administration. The number of U.S. Border Patrol apprehensions per day in March was less than a single hour during the height of the Biden administration (336 per hour in December 2023). Drug Interdictions That Save Lives CBP remains on the frontline against drug smuggling, seizing dangerous narcotics before they reach American communities. Nationwide in March, CBP seized over 65,000 pounds of drugs, including 613 pounds of fentanyl. CBP seized 27% more drugs this month than in March 2024. CBP has seized 24% more drugs this fiscal year through March (i.e., the first half of FY 2026) than it seized during the same period of FY 2024, and CBP seized 19% more drugs this fiscal year than it seized on average during the last four years in this same period. Additional CBP drug seizure statistics can be found on the Drug Seizure Statistics webpage. Trade and Tariff Enforcement CBP plays a central role in enforcing U.S. trade law and supporting economic security. $323 billion in imports processed in March 2026. $24 billion in duties identified for collection. Protecting Consumers and Supply Chains CBP continues to safeguard the American economy by targeting forced labor and counterfeit goods. In March, CBP stopped 304 shipments valued at more than $12 million for potential forced labor violations. CBP seized 2,776 shipments containing counterfeit goods valued at over $1.1 billion. Agriculture stats/seizures – securing American agriculture In March, CBP agriculture specialists helped protect America’s agriculture, natural resources, and economic prosperity. CBP issued 7,722 emergency action notifications for restricted and prohibited plant and animal products entering the United States. CBP conducted 106,103 positive passenger inspections and issued 761 civil penalties and/or violations to the traveling public for failing to declare prohibited agriculture items.

# # #

PHOTO RELEASE: DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin Visits Western North Carolina to Provide Update on FEMA Disaster Relief Efforts

 Press Release:

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

PHOTO RELEASE: DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin Visits Western North Carolina to Provide Update on FEMA Disaster Relief Efforts WASHINGTON – Today, the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Markwayne Mullin, in cooperation with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and local North Carolina leadership, participated in multiple events in Western North Carolina to highlight updates on disaster relief achievements following Tropical Storm Helene and Hurricane Florence. Secretary Mullin received an emergency management briefing in Lake Lure, met with Chimney Rock residents and Mayor Peter O’Leary to discuss disaster relief efforts, and hosted a discussion roundtable with U.S. Senator Ted Budd, Representatives Chuck Edwards and Tim Moore, FEMA Administrator Karen Evans, and with first responders and other local leaders. Last week, President Donald J. Trump, Secretary Mullin, and FEMA announced an additional $103 million for North Carolina recovery efforts. On Monday, FEMA awarded more than $26 million to eliminate flood risks for severely damaged properties in North Carolina. The state will use this funding, administered through FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, to buy 75 damaged residential properties in Henderson, Polk, and Yancey counties, bringing needed relief to the homeowners. In total, FEMA has provided more than $5.4 billion to North Carolina for recovery efforts, and additional approved funding will continue to support rebuilding in the affected areas. Additionally, FEMA has paid nearly $564.2 million in grants to survivors to directly help families recover. “Today, I had the opportunity to meet the fearless State and Local leaders of western North Carolina who are rebuilding their communities after the devastation of Hurricane Helene,” said Secretary Mullin. “I saw first hand hurricane damage still present and will be making sure FEMA relief continues to help Americans rebuild their homes and communities. I am humbled and honored to serve the citizens of our great Homeland. Thanks for having me.” Below are photos from Secretary Mullin’s visit today:  Secretary Mullin receives Lake Lure disaster briefing Secretary Mullin speaks with Chimney Rock Mayor Peter O’Leary Secretary Mullin greets Chief of Bat Cave Fire Department Steve Freeman Secretary Mullin meets with state, local, and federal leadership

# # #

ICE Arrests Rapists, Pedophiles, and Arsonists

 Press Release:

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

ICE Arrests Rapists, Pedophiles, and Arsonists 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 criminal illegal aliens convicted for crimes including aggravated sexual assault of a child, sexual battery, lewd and lascivious acts with a child, arson, and robbery. “Yesterday, the men and women of ICE continued to make American communities safer by arresting rapists, pedophiles, arsonists, and other depraved criminal illegal aliens. Our officers risk their lives every single day to get criminals out of American neighborhoods,” said Acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis. “Under President Trump, if you come to our country illegally and break our laws, we will find you and we will arrest you. We will always put American families, American children, and American lives FIRST.” Arrests include: Erik Eusevio Cortez-Leyva, a criminal illegal alien from Mexico, convicted for aggravated sexual assault of a child in McLennan County, Texas. Melchor Brito-Lopez, a criminal illegal alien from Guatemala, convicted for sexual battery in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina. Salvador Rayas-Rodriguez, a criminal illegal alien from Mexico, convicted for lewd and lascivious acts with a child: oral copulation with use of force/injury in Sacramento, California. Mainor Roberto Ramos-Lopez, a criminal illegal alien from Guatemala, convicted for causing fire to structure / forest or land in the Superior Court of California, County of San Bernardino. Sergio Tomosely, a criminal illegal alien from Mexico, convicted for robbery in Queens, NY. Americans can see more public safety threats arrested in their communities on our webpage WOW.DHS.Gov.

# # #

 Press Release

Former Pagan’s Motorcycle Gang Member Pleaded Guilty for Armed Assault Against Rival

Tuesday, April 7, 2026

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A former member of the Pagan’s Motorcycle Gang pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Greg Kays for his involvement in an armed assault against a member of rival motorcycle club.

Jeffrey S. Hannah, also known as “Got-It,” 43, of Grain Valley, Mo., pleaded guilty today to one count of assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering and one count of possession of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.

On Sept.17, 2022, Hannah and other members of the Pagan’s and their support club, the Los Valerosos, chased and forced a lone rival gang member from the road in Blue Springs, Mo.  Various members of the Pagan’s and Los Valerosos were armed with firearms and at least one axe handle.  Hannah and the others confronted the victim on the side of the roadway and ultimately, the victim was shot seven times, with wounds to his knee, thigh, forearm, biceps, buttocks and back of his leg.

Under federal statutes, Hannah is subject to a sentence of not less than five years and up to life in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bradley K. Kavanaugh and Robert Smith. It was investigated by the FBI, the Independence, Mo., Police Department, the Blue Springs, Mo., Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department.

Operation Take Back America

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.