ICE Continues Deportations of Criminal Gang Members
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is actively deporting illegal gang members, including those with serious convictions such as manslaughter and kidnapping.
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Markwayne Mullin stated, “Another day, another deportation flight that makes America safer.” He noted that ICE recently removed individuals with extensive criminal backgrounds, including murderers and burglars.
Among those deported was Jonathan Moreno Hernandez, originally from Mexico. Hernandez, a member of the South Sider gang, has a troubling criminal history, including voluntary manslaughter and attempted murder, as well as assault charges in California. Notably, he had previously faced deportations in 2004, 2007, and earlier this year.
ICE also deported Jesus Azuara and German Oliverio Miranda-Tapia, both from Mexico and affiliated with the Paisas gang. Azuara’s prior offenses range from drug-related charges to robbery and illegal entry, having been deported five times before. On the other hand, Miranda-Tapia has convictions for third-degree sexual assault involving a minor, among other charges, and had been deported by the Trump administration before returning unlawfully.
Other individuals recently deported include:
Harvey Elias Liberato, from the Philippines, who was part of the Asian Boys gang. He faced convictions for voluntary manslaughter and aggravated assault with a gun, among others. Liberato was originally admitted to the U.S. in 2004 but has a final order of removal set for 2026.
Jorge Jaimes, a Surenos gang member from Mexico, deported due to an attempted murder conviction and prior arrests for DUI. Details of his illegal entry into the U.S. remain unclear.
Brandon Enrique Rodriguez-Ascencio, an MS-13 gang member from El Salvador, whose criminal history includes an attempted rape conviction. Like the others, his entry was unlawful and undocumented.
Cristian Bahena Estudillo, also from Mexico and a member of the Surenos gang. His record includes multiple serious offenses, and even after previous deportations, he re-entered the country illegally.
Axll Joshua Castillo-Almeida, from Colombia, has multiple burglary convictions and overstayed his welcome following legal entry in 2013. He faces a removal order set for 2026.
Mullin emphasized the importance of these deportations, stating, “Under President Trump’s leadership, ICE has been unleashed to arrest and remove illegal aliens from our communities. Deporting illegal aliens saves lives.”
