Tom Homan: Criticism of Politicians
ICE has detained Jovana Mercedes Moreno Ochompey, a former high school teacher from Illinois who is undocumented, in relation to a triple murder connected to the Venezuelan gang Torren de Aragua. Initially, Chicago police let her go, not alerting ICE, due to the sanctuary city policy. Former Acting ICE Director Tom Homan has openly criticized such policies, claiming they obstruct federal law enforcement and compromise public safety.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shared last Wednesday that they carried out 20 federal warrants, resulting in 10 arrests tied to a sex trafficking ring affiliated with the Hoover Criminal Group (HCG) in Los Angeles, known for engaging in human exploitation.
Authorities identified 51 victims, one being just 14 years old. Special Agent Eddie Wang stated, “We remain steadfast in our mission to protect victims and pursue justice against traffickers,” in a comment to the media.
Multi-State Criminal Activities
On the same note, the Justice Department has announced indictments against 11 immigrants involved in sex trafficking, drug, and firearms offenses across multiple states.
The recent arrests are part of Operation Broken Blade, which targets human trafficking in the Figueroa Corridor, a neighborhood in South Los Angeles. This situation underscores the persistent risks that law enforcement encounters, despite a notable decrease in illegal border crossings under the second Trump administration.
Since late 2024, border crossings have dwindled significantly, with numbers plummeting from over 144,000 in December 2024 to a mere 13,500 in May—a staggering 90% drop.
Nonetheless, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and other federal agencies continue addressing more sophisticated smuggling operations that threaten the nation with the illegal influx of drugs, weapons, and individuals. Just recently, CBP revealed they intercepted a vehicle attempting to cross the border loaded with rocket-propelled grenade launchers and numerous firearms parts.
As part of ongoing initiatives, DHS Acting Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs Lauren Biss mentioned that dismantling sex trafficking rings is a top priority. Under the leadership of President Trump and Secretary Marin, efforts to dismantle human trafficking rings have intensified.
Biss added that the suspects apprehended are facing multiple serious charges, including sex trafficking, money laundering, and firearms offenses. Many of these individuals have extensive criminal backgrounds including robbery and kidnapping.
This latest round of arrests marks the second phase of Operation Broken Blade, which was launched in August 2025 in collaboration with the Los Angeles Department of Homeland Security Investigations, the CBP, and local law enforcement.
Gun-Trafficking Rings Exposed
Moreover, federal authorities have unveiled a gun-trafficking ring accused of supplying firearms from Georgia to gangs in Chicago.
The 10 suspects involved in the operation are set to go to trial in March 2027. Wang stated, “HSI’s actions today are another decisive blow to those who have exploited vulnerable members of our community, who will now face the consequences of those actions.”
