Houston ICE Operation Targets Criminal Aliens

In a recent week-long operation in southeastern Texas, federal immigration officials apprehended 822 undocumented immigrants with criminal backgrounds. The focus of this initiative was to address violent offenders, particularly in areas affected by cartel-related activities and illegal re-entry.

Carried out by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from August 17 to August 23, the operation aimed at those labeled as some of the “worst of the worst.” This included individuals such as repeat gang members, child predators, and serious criminals.

According to Gabriel Martinez, Acting Field Office Director for ICE enforcement and removal operations, cross-border gang members and other violent criminals have exploited the current border crisis to enter the country unlawfully. He noted that many of these offenders have remained in the Houston area, causing significant disruption.

The following individuals were among those arrested:

• On August 22, ICE arrested Jorge Elyzeo Torres Soto, a 30-year-old child predator from Guatemala, previously convicted in October 2024 for sexual assault of a minor.
• Manuel Ivan Castillo Estrada, 36, also a child predator and deported criminal from Mexico, was taken into custody on August 22.
• Another individual, Francisco Eduardo Bonilla, a 37-year-old from El Salvador, was arrested on the same day; he too has a history of predatory behavior.
• On August 22, Lloyd Tinashe Huwewe, a 36-year-old murder convict from Zimbabwe, was apprehended. He had illegally re-entered the U.S. in 2015 after previous deportation.
• Fuad Farah Ikhbeis, 57, from Jordan, was also arrested on August 22; he has a conviction for sexual indecency with a minor dating back to 1995.
• Carlos Vega Ramirez, 38, a repeat child predator from Mexico, was detained on August 22.
• Hemellin Antonio Asensio Merino, a 53-year-old fugitive from El Salvador wanted for aggravated murder, was caught on August 17.
• William Alexander Teres Amaya, 35, a habitual child predator from El Salvador, was taken into custody on August 18.
• Cruz Leandro Martinez Leiva, a 25-year-old MS-13 gang member from El Salvador, was arrested on August 20 after prior robbery convictions.
• Alejandro Perez Miramontes, 54, who has been deported twelve times from Mexico, was apprehended on August 20. His extensive history includes various serious offenses.

In total, the arrests involved:

• Five cross-border gang members
• Seven child predators
• Three criminal aliens convicted of murder-related offenses
• 330 individuals previously ordered removed from the U.S.
• 112 individuals who had been deported at least once and re-entered illegally

This operation aligns with President Trump’s broader efforts to enhance law and order nationwide, particularly by confronting sanctuary policies that shield criminal immigrants from deportation.

The coordinated arrests were made possible through collaboration between multiple federal and state law enforcement agencies, including ICE, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and others.

Authorities emphasized that this operation reflects a steadfast commitment to vigorous enforcement and community protection, especially in places like Houston, where illegal immigration and cartel activity have sharply increased.