U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced the arrest of several individuals with criminal backgrounds during targeted operations in Houston from October 28 to 30. The agency reported that those arrested included people convicted of crimes such as aggravated assault, sexual offenses involving minors, and gang-related activities.
Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin stated, “Under President Trump and Secretary Noem, ICE law enforcement is arresting and removing criminal illegal aliens including pedophiles, gang members, serial drunk drivers, and violent thugs. We will not let the Democrats’ government shutdown, sanctuary policies, activist politicians, or an 8,000% increase in death threats on ICE officers stop us from making this country safe again.”
Among those arrested was Salvador Ramirez-Carrillo from Mexico. He is identified as a Paisas gang member who has entered the United States illegally five times. Ramirez-Carrillo has been convicted of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and evading arrest with a vehicle. He also has a previous arrest for driving while intoxicated and has been removed from the U.S. four times.
Brayan Jose Cruz-Mendez from Honduras was arrested following his conviction for sexual enticement of a minor for indecent purposes.
Rony Andy Martinez Lopez, also from Honduras, was taken into custody after being convicted of lewd and lascivious acts with a minor and cruelty towards a child. He had previously been deported on November 29, 2024.
Vongphachan Phothisome from Laos was arrested after being convicted of sexual exploitation of a minor.
David Donaldo Martinez-Diaz from El Salvador was apprehended following convictions for sexual assault and disorderly conduct.
Rey David Bautista-Antonio from Mexico was arrested after being convicted on three counts of driving while intoxicated. Authorities noted he had entered the United States illegally three times.
These arrests were made despite ongoing political disputes over government funding that have led to a shutdown affecting some federal agencies.
