The Department of Homeland Security has announced that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers have arrested several criminal illegal aliens across the United States. The arrests took place on July 17, 2025, as part of a coordinated enforcement operation targeting individuals with serious criminal histories.
One notable arrest was that of Phong Thanh Nguyen, a Vietnamese national with a conviction for second-degree murder and indecent exposure. An order of removal had been issued against him in 2012, but he remained in the U.S. under an Order of Supervision. Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin stated, "A Vietnamese national murdered someone, exposed himself in public and remained on U.S. soil for years," emphasizing ICE's commitment to protecting the American public from such individuals.
ICE also reported other significant arrests including Abraham Taddesse from Ethiopia, convicted of rape; Juan Felix Yanes-Montano from Cuba, convicted of robbery and kidnapping; Cesar Porras from Mexico, convicted of fentanyl trafficking; and Eduardo Salinas-Gonzalez from Mexico, convicted of smuggling aliens and other offenses.
The operation underscores ICE's focus on removing those who pose a significant threat to community safety. According to Assistant Secretary McLaughlin, "President Trump and Secretary Noem will not allow convicted criminal illegal alien killers to hide behind outdated policies."
Nguyen remains in custody pending removal procedures.
