The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a statement on Veterans Day recognizing the contributions of more than 7,500 veterans currently serving as law enforcement officers in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). These individuals are noted for their ongoing commitment to public safety after their military service.
Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin stated, “On Veterans Day, we are thankful to the more than 7,500 veterans who bravely served in the US Armed Forces and now continue their service to our great nation as members of ICE law enforcement. These brave men and women put their lives on the line every single day to arrest the worst of the worst criminal illegal aliens from American neighborhoods. Just yesterday, ICE arrested pedophiles, rapists, and other violent criminals. We are eternally grateful to all Americans who have bravely served and protected our freedoms. We are only the land of the free because of the brave.”
According to DHS, ICE officers regularly arrest individuals with serious criminal backgrounds across the United States. On November 10, ICE reported several arrests involving individuals convicted of crimes such as aggravated sexual assault of a child, rape, sexual abuse of a minor, aggravated assault with intent to cause serious physical injury, and sexual assault.
The arrests included:
- Jesus Hernandez-Hernandez in Houston, Texas; convicted of aggravated sexual assault of a child under 14.
- Delbis De Jesus Hernandez-Vargas in Buffalo, New York; convicted of rape.
- Juan Guerra-Ubaldo in Salt Lake City, Utah; convicted of sexual abuse of a minor.
- Luis Castillo-Flores in New York City; convicted of aggravated assault with intent to cause serious physical injury.
- Albert Miguel Quinones-Quinones in Philadelphia; convicted of sexual assault.
DHS emphasized that these actions reflect ongoing efforts by ICE officers—many of whom are veterans—to enforce laws and protect communities nationwide.
