Since June, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has arrested more than 5,000 individuals in Los Angeles as part of targeted immigration enforcement operations. The announcement was made on August 26 by Secretary Kristi Noem, who stated that U.S. Border Patrol and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have focused their efforts on apprehending criminal illegal aliens in the city.
According to DHS, these operations have taken place despite opposition from violent rioters who attempted to disrupt law enforcement activities. The department emphasized its ongoing commitment to enforcing immigration laws and removing individuals with serious criminal backgrounds from communities.
“DHS law enforcement has made over 5,000 arrests in Los Angeles. That’s more than 5,000 criminal illegal aliens, gang members, child predators, and murderers taken off our streets. Precious lives saved,” said Secretary Noem. “Families protected. American taxpayers spared the cost of their crimes AND the burden of their benefits. Thank you to our brave law enforcement officers. Make no mistake: if you are here illegally, we will find you, arrest you, and send you back. This is just the beginning.”
The department provided several examples of those arrested during the recent operations:
- Diego Fernandez-Martinez from Mexico, identified as a member of the Surenos gang with convictions for carjacking and other offenses.
- Juan Carlos Marin-Hipolito from Mexico, convicted of murder.
- Jaime Sarinana-Rodriguez from Mexico, a registered sex offender convicted of continuous sexual abuse of a child.
- Yohannes Zerai from Eritrea, a registered sex offender with multiple convictions including assault to commit rape.
- Justin Chung from South Korea, convicted of murder and shooting at an inhabited dwelling.
- Quoc Dung Pham and Bo Quoc Pham from Vietnam, both registered sex offenders with convictions for kidnapping and rape.
- Hong Jing from China, convicted for driving under the influence and involvement in sex trafficking.
- Martina Zacarias from Mexico, convicted for lewd acts with a child under 14.
- Edgar Isaac Lopez from Mexico, convicted for voluntary manslaughter and other charges.
- Joel Benjamin Reyes from El Salvador, a registered sex offender convicted of rape by forcible compulsion.
- Omar Guzman-Rodriguez from Mexico, a registered sex offender with convictions including burglary and lewd acts with a child under 14.
These arrests are part of DHS's broader efforts to address public safety concerns related to undocumented immigrants with serious criminal records.
