The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released a statement on Tuesday, emphasizing the serious offenders apprehended during a nationwide effort to address illegal immigration.
According to the announcement, around 70% of arrests made by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) involve illegal immigrants who have been charged or convicted of crimes. This comes as agencies are under mounting pressure concerning immigration enforcement, particularly with a startling increase in assaults—up by 830%.
Some Democrats argue that ICE disproportionately targets innocent immigrants. For instance, during the anti-ICE protests in Los Angeles last June, Rep. Delia Ramirez from Illinois claimed that President Trump has been stigmatizing anyone he deems “unwanted.” She suggested that his actions could eventually extend to U.S. citizens, similar to how he has handled criminal immigrants.
Ramirez stated, “Trump, Homan, Miller, and this entire administration have launched a fear campaign against our families, casting immigrants as public enemies to advance their agenda.”
The DHS maintains its commitment to arresting immigrants in the country illegally. The agency’s current statement indicates that a significant number of those arrested have faced criminal charges or convictions.
Among the illegal immigrants cited in the DHS statement are individuals charged with offenses such as hit and run, aggravated assault, felony threats, grand theft, and drug possession.
One case involves Orinda Michaela Gonzalez Ortiz, a 21-year-old from Guatemala, who has a prior conviction for hit and run in Salisbury, Maryland, after her arrest by ICE Baltimore. Another individual, Federico von Nunez, 53, from Mexico, was arrested by ICE in Boulder and has an extensive criminal background with 21 convictions, including robbery and aggravated assault.
ICE recently apprehended numerous illegal immigrants with a history of child sex offenses as well. In a targeted operation in June, over 1,300 illegal immigrants were arrested in the Houston area, among them individuals previously convicted of serious offenses like plane hijacking and murder. Notably, 32 had prior convictions related to child sex offenses.
Additionally, the DHS investigation in Maryland resulted in a lengthy sentence for 38-year-old Mark Rice, who was sentenced to federal prison for producing and distributing child sexual abuse material.
DHS Deputy Director Tricia McLaughlin praised the initiatives under President Trump and Secretary Noem, stating they focus on targeting the most dangerous individuals. She highlighted the increased risks faced by law enforcement agencies due to rising assaults but reaffirmed their mission to arrest violent offenders and drug traffickers.
Fox News Digital reached out to Rep. Ramirez for a comment, but did not receive a response.
