DHS Highlights Resources for Victims During National Crime Victims Week
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has acknowledged National Crime Victims Week by showcasing resources available for angel families and crime victims, particularly those affected by crimes reportedly committed by undocumented immigrants.
Following its closure under the Biden administration, the Trump administration reinstated the Office of Immigrant Crime and Victim Services (VOICE) to focus on American victims and their families. DHS noted that it has fielded almost 900 assistance calls over the previous year.
The office resumed vital services, such as helping victims track immigration enforcement cases and providing updates on ICE detention status while connecting families with local social services.
According to DHS, among the incidents reported, 32% were violent assaults, 15% were sexual assaults or rapes, and 9% were murders or manslaughter.
“For too long, the victims of crimes committed by illegal immigrants have been overlooked by the media and those in sanctuary cities,” said Lauren Biss, acting DHS assistant secretary. “This National Crime Victims Week, Commissioner Markwayne Mullin pays tribute to these victims.”
Biss emphasized, “DHS will continue to advocate for victims of illegal aliens and always prioritize American safety.” She claimed that all crimes carried out by illegal immigrants are entirely preventable.
Victims Honored by DHS:
Megan Boss
Megan Boss was found deceased in a dumpster in Waukegan, Illinois, in April 2025. Jose Luis Mendoza Gonzalez, an illegal immigrant from Mexico, faces charges related to her death.
He was released into the custody of Illinois Governor JB Pritzker despite the charges. Later, on July 19, 2025, he was detained by ICE agents in Chicago.
Joshua Wilkerson
Joshua Wilkerson, 18, was murdered on November 16, 2010, by his classmate, Elmiro Morales, an illegal immigrant from Belize. After Joshua disappeared, his body was discovered in the woods, exhibiting severe signs of trauma.
Dalila Coleman
A car accident allegedly caused by illegal immigrant Partap Singh left Dalila Coleman, then 5 years old, in a coma for three weeks, requiring extensive medical treatment and lifelong care.
Katie Abraham
On January 19, 2025, 20-year-old Katie Abraham was killed in a traffic accident in Urbana, Illinois, by a drunk driver, who fled the scene. The driver was later sentenced to 30 years in prison.
Anya Varfolomeev and Nikolai Osorkin
Both 19, Anya Varfolomeev and Nikolai Osorkin were struck and killed by Oscar Eduardo Ortega-Angiano, an undocumented immigrant, while he was speeding on a freeway in Los Angeles.
Lacey Marie Ferguson
Lacey was killed on August 24, 2003, during a gunfight between several illegal immigrants. Her death left a 3-year-old daughter behind. David Aguilar was arrested and convicted for her murder in 2016.
Chrisia Odette
Chrisia was killed on September 12, 2014, by an illegal immigrant driver, who had been previously encountered by border agents. The driver was held for a short time before posting bail.
Rocky Paul Jones
Rocky Paul Jones was shot and killed in 2018 by an illegal immigrant during a shooting spree, which also included multiple other assaults. Garcia had been deported previously.
Hayley King
18-year-old Hayley King was killed by illegal immigrant Sergio Rodriguez in 2016. Rodriguez fled the scene and has since been denied parole twice.
Lisbeth Medina
Lastly, on December 5, 2023, Lizbeth Medina, a 16-year-old cheerleader, was tragically killed by illegal immigrant Rafael Gobert Romero.
DHS reports that roughly 70% of apprehended illegal immigrants have previous criminal charges or convictions. The department emphasizes its daily efforts to protect American communities from such tragedies.
Those affected by crimes involving undocumented immigrants can reach out to the Office of Immigration Crime Victim Assistance (VOICE) at 855-488-6423 for support.
