U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) conducted a significant operation in the Houston area, arresting 422 individuals who were in the country illegally, including 296 identified as criminal aliens. Additionally, 528 individuals were deported during this seven-day operation from May 4 to May 10, which aimed to enhance public safety.
Bret Bradford, Director of ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations in Houston, commented on the situation: "In recent years, some of the world’s most dangerous fugitives, transnational gang members and criminal aliens have taken advantage of the crisis at our nation’s southern border to illegally enter the U.S." He added that these individuals have "infiltrated our local communities and reigned terror on law-abiding residents."
Among those arrested was a Colombian national convicted of homicide and providing false information to law enforcement. Other notable arrests included multiple repeat offenders from Mexico with convictions ranging from possession of controlled substances to sexual exploitation of a minor.
The operation also focused on removing individuals who had exhausted their legal options for remaining in the U.S. ICE utilized an initiative established under the current administration to expedite removals by processing individuals at designated hubs on the southern border within 24-72 hours after arrest. Bradford stated, “This initiative will save taxpayers millions of dollars each year by significantly reducing the time that aliens who have exhausted due process and been ordered removed from the U.S. need to be in ICE custody.”
Numerous law enforcement agencies collaborated with ICE during this operation, including U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Diplomatic Security Service (DSS), FBI, U.S. Marshals Service, and Texas Department of Public Safety.
DEA Houston Division Acting Special Agent in Charge William Kimbell emphasized collaboration: “Illegal activities breed further crime, and our collaborative efforts through these enforcement operations have allowed us to do what the DEA does best.” DSS Houston Field Office Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Joseph Burnette noted their role in combating illegal immigration: “As a key partner in these operations, DSS works closely with domestic and international law enforcement agencies.”
Michael Weddel from ATF highlighted joint efforts: “Our unified efforts send a strong message: dangerous criminal aliens will be held accountable.” CBP Air Branch Acting Director Jeremy D. Battenfield affirmed their support for lawful immigration enforcement.
FBI Houston Special Agent in Charge Douglas Williams discussed resource allocation: "FBI Houston has surged quite a bit of resources... By working together and sharing what we know with our partners, we have been able to prioritize the worst of the worst criminals."
The public is encouraged to report crime or suspicious activity via phone or online forms.
