U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) recently conducted a series of arrests in the Houston area, targeting individuals charged with or convicted of sex offenses. Between February 24 and 28, nine criminal aliens were apprehended as part of this operation. The enforcement effort was a collaborative initiative involving ICE, the U.S. Marshals Service, the Texas Department of Public Safety's Criminal Investigation Division, and the Texas Office of Attorney General.
Chad Plantz, ICE Homeland Security Investigations Houston Special Agent in Charge, commented on the impact of these actions: “Our local communities are safer as a direct result of this targeted enforcement effort.” He further stated that through cooperation with federal and state partners and utilizing HSI’s investigative expertise in child exploitation crimes, they could "quickly locate and remove these criminal aliens from the community before they could reoffend."
The operation resulted in several significant arrests:
- A 39-year-old Salvadoran national arrested on February 24 is facing charges for continuous sexual assault of a minor.
- A 61-year-old Mexican national arrested on February 26 had prior convictions for aggravated sexual assault of a minor, driving while intoxicated, and illegal entry.
- A 55-year-old Cuban national taken into custody on February 25 was previously convicted of aggravated sexual assault.
- Another Cuban national, aged 61, arrested on February 26 had been convicted for sexual battery with a weapon among other offenses.
- Two Vietnamese nationals were arrested; one aged 57 was taken into custody on February 24 for prior convictions including abduction with intent to extort money. Another aged 57 was apprehended on February 25 with previous convictions involving gross sexual imposition with a minor.
- A Mexican national aged 41 was arrested on February 26 after previous convictions for indecency with a minor by contact.
- A Filipino national aged 72 detained on February 25 had prior convictions for aggravated sexual assault of a minor.
- Finally, a Cuban national aged 71 was arrested on February 27 following previous convictions related to sexual battery of a minor.
To stay updated about ICE’s efforts against child exploitation in the Houston area, follow them at @HSIHouston.
