Federal law enforcement agencies have arrested several individuals in Washington, D.C., as part of a broader initiative by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to address violent crime. The arrests are being highlighted as part of President Trump’s stated effort to increase public safety in the nation’s capital.
“President Trump was clear: he will make D.C. safe and beautiful again,” said a Senior DHS Official. “ICE and CBP continue to arrest and remove the worst of the worst criminal illegal aliens including gang members, child pedophiles and rapists, drug traffickers, and other violent thugs. We will support the re-establishment of law and order and public safety, so Americans can feel safe enjoying the beauty and history of our nation’s capital.”
The list released by DHS includes individuals from Mexico, Venezuela, El Salvador, Honduras, Guatemala, Nigeria, and India. Many of those arrested had previous charges or convictions related to serious offenses such as aggravated sexual battery of a child, robbery using force, assault on police officers with weapons, drug trafficking, document fraud, DUI offenses, resisting arrest, and violations related to controlled substances.
Some individuals had multiple prior immigration encounters or removals from the United States. For example, Jose Candela-Bentura from Mexico has been removed from the U.S. 11 times. Others were identified as members of known gangs or flagged for officer safety concerns during arrests.
The arrests involve collaboration between Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP), focusing on removing individuals considered threats due to their criminal histories.
