The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has recognized the experiences of victims and families affected by crimes committed by individuals in the United States without legal status. The agency highlighted several incidents from 2025 involving murder, sexual assault, kidnapping, and attacks on law enforcement officers.
“Behind every one of these crimes is a victim and their family left to rebuild their lives after unimaginable loss, suffering, and brutality,” said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “For too long, politicians turned a blind eye to the suffering of American citizens while protecting criminal illegal aliens. That ended on January 20. Under President Trump and Secretary Noem, DHS is standing with the victims – not depraved criminal illegal aliens. ICE will continue to target the worst of the worst to protect American lives and make our country safe again.”
Among the cases cited was the shooting death of Santiago Lopez Morales in Texas during a motel crime spree involving three Venezuelan nationals. In Illinois, Megan Bos was found decapitated after being reported missing; Luis Mendoza-Gonzalez of Mexico was identified as the alleged perpetrator. In New Jersey, Maria Pleitez and her daughter Dayanara died in a car crash caused by Raul Luna-Perez of Mexico.
Other incidents included an attempted rape in Kentucky where 15-year-old Luis Jocsan Nanez Lopez was killed trying to protect his mother; an attack at a soccer game in Maryland resulting in life-threatening injuries; multiple kidnappings and sexual assaults across several states; as well as attacks on U.S. government officials and immigration officers.
DHS stated that these examples represent only some of the harm caused by criminal activity among individuals without legal status. The department affirmed its commitment to supporting victims through resources such as the Victims of Immigration Crime Engagement (VOICE) Office, which can be reached at 1-855-488-6423 or online at www.ice.gov/voice.
