400 Undocumented Immigrants Detained, 500 Removed During Week-Long ICE Operations in Houston

Houston ICE Operation Leads to Over 400 Arrests

HOUSTON, Texas – Last week, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) carried out targeted enforcement actions, resulting in the arrest of more than 400 undocumented individuals. During this operation, the Houston Field Office also managed to deport over 500 individuals who were previously ordered to leave the U.S.

“In recent years, we’ve seen some of the most dangerous fugitives, along with cross-border gang members, take advantage of the situation at our southern border to enter the United States illegally,” stated Brett Bradford, the director of the Houston Field Office of ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO). He expressed concerns that these violent offenders have merged into communities, instilling fear among law-abiding residents and victimizing many innocent people.

Between May 4th and May 10th, agents from the Houston ERO, collaborating with federal and Texas law enforcement agencies, apprehended 411 undocumented individuals. Among these, 2,296 had criminal records, many linked to violent offenses. Here are a few notable cases:

A Colombian national, 46 years old, was arrested on May 7 and previously convicted of murder in Colombia, along with providing false information to authorities.

A 40-year-old Mexican man, arrested on May 8, had been deported thrice and was previously convicted on multiple charges, including drug possession and illegal discharge of a firearm.

A 32-year-old deported individual from Mexico was taken into custody on May 7 for convictions including robbery and aggravated assault.

A 45-year-old Mexican national, arrested on May 5, had a conviction for the sexual exploitation of a minor.

A 72-year-old individual, also from Mexico, was detained on May 6 and found guilty of murder, robbery, and other violent crimes.

“Such illegal activities often lead to more crime, and through our collaborative enforcement efforts, we’ve been able to help eliminate drugs from the streets, dismantle drug networks, and make our communities safer,” added Bradford.

Additionally, ERO conducted a rapid removal operation that led to the deportation of 528 undocumented individuals.

“To facilitate the removal of these individuals, ICE Houston utilized the initiatives set in motion by the current administration, focusing on designated hubs at the southern border. This approach allows for quick processing and removal within 24-72 hours of arrest,” officials from ERO stated.

Douglas Williams, a special agent with the FBI in Houston, noted, “Our intelligence work is complemented by tactical operations. By sharing information with partners, we’ve been able to prioritize the most dangerous criminals.”

CBP Air and Marine Operations (AMO) actively participated in the operations, providing transportation support. Jeremy D. Battenfield, acting director of AMO Houston Air Branch, remarked, “Our team works to ensure these operations are conducted safely and effectively in partnership with federal entities.”