President Trump has emphasized the efforts of ICE agents, describing them as “patriots” while showcasing mugshots of some of the most dangerous undocumented immigrants his administration has targeted for deportation in Minnesota.
During a press conference at the White House, which marked the first year of his second term, Trump expressed astonishment at the number of serious offenders. “These are just from one state,” he mentioned, highlighting the ongoing work.
As he displayed these images, he pointed out that many had serious charges, including murder and sexual crimes, questioning the audience, “Do you want to live with these people?” Each photo came with significant crimes listed beneath, pointing to a long history of offenses.
These individuals are merely a small part of the over 10,000 arrests made by ICE in Minnesota since he took office. The president stated he could easily present more evidence of similar cases.
Included among the highlighted criminals were Abdirashid Adosh Elmi, a Somali convicted of murder, and Aldrin Guerrero Muñoz, who is alleged to have killed his infant son.
Trump noted the extreme protests against ICE actions in Minneapolis, asserting that these protests are defending individuals who have committed heinous acts. “All ICE wants is to remove them from this country,” he defended, referring to the agency as patriotic.
He remarked on the considerable effort required to bring these offenders to justice and criticized the current administration for allowing such illegal immigrants to enter the U.S.
With a year into his second administration, the Department of Homeland Security reported the arrest of around 7,000 gang members, which the DHS states are some of the most egregious offenders.
DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin reiterated this, emphasizing that many of these violent individuals were enabled to enter the country under the Biden administration, and that they have committed horrific crimes against Americans.
Among the gangs ICE has dealt with are notorious ones like MS-13, Bloods, and Latin Kings, showcasing the severe threats they pose.
Thanks to a nationwide crackdown, some of these criminal elements who were once rampant on American streets include:
- Vicente Paul Carreno Aurer, a Venezuelan illegal immigrant with an extensive criminal history, including murder and child abuse. He entered the U.S. in 2022 only to be apprehended by ICE in February 2025.
- Kevin Elenilson Avalos Díaz, affiliated with MS-13, had past convictions for murder and kidnapping. He was arrested by ICE in January after being allowed to remain in the country illegally since 2016.
- Nestor Fabian Londono, a Colombian illegitimate re-entrant with multiple convictions for serious offenses, was arrested in December 2025 after illegally re-entering the U.S. post-deportation.
Immigration officials recently defended their methods during a press conference in Minneapolis, following criticism after a tragic event involving an anti-ICE protester. They asserted that their operations are lawful and focus on individuals who truly threaten the community.
Border Patrol Chief Greg Bovino pointed fingers at local leaders for their condemnation of ICE, claiming it complicates enforcement efforts.
He attributed the challenges of Operation Metro Surge to political interference and various groups exacerbating tensions.
Since the operation began late last year, approximately 3,000 arrests have been made in Minnesota, culminating in significant public safety achievements, according to DHS Secretary Kristi Noem.
Some of the most dangerous criminals apprehended in this sweep included:
- Yan Koua Mua, a Laotian illegal immigrant with a murder conviction linked to the Oriental Law Gang.
- Tse Thao, also from Laos, found guilty of murder related to gang activities, earned a lengthy prison sentence but was later reduced.
- Brong Xiong, another Laotian illegal immigrant, received a sentence for sexual offenses committed against a minor.
