Convicted murderer and child abusers caught in immigration sweep over Christmas weekend

ICE Operations Over Christmas Weekend

A spokesperson from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) carried out operations over the Christmas weekend, apprehending individuals involved in serious crimes such as murder and child exploitation. They described these actions as “the greatest gift of 2025 to the American people.”

In a statement to media, DHS emphasized that while many Americans were celebrating the holiday season, ICE was actively taking down some of the most dangerous illegal immigrants in the country. This included arrests of various violent criminals.

One notable arrest made was of Julio Miguel Gonzalez, a Cuban immigrant, who had a prior conviction for attempted murder in Miami. Another individual, Juan Perestero from Mexico, was taken into custody for previously committing lewd acts with a child in Santa Barbara, California.

Criminal Profiles of Those Arrested

Additionally, Jose Barrera Bolanos, another Mexican national, was arrested; he had been convicted of child sexual assault in Denver. Carlos Esqueda-Ortega, also from Mexico, had multiple convictions across different California cities, including unlawful reentry and possession of a controlled substance. Lastly, Gustavo Benitez Barueta was apprehended in Texas for possession of cocaine with intent to distribute.

DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin highlighted these enforcement actions, stating that as families gathered for the holidays, ICE was committed to protecting communities by removing criminals. She reiterated that under the current administration, individuals who commit crimes have no place in the U.S.

Recent reports indicated that over 2.5 million undocumented immigrants have left the U.S. in the past year, including more than 600,000 deportations since January of this year.

DHS also encouraged undocumented immigrants to use the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Home mobile app, which offers an incentive of a free return ticket and a $1,000 bonus for those choosing to return home.