Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem has announced that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) recently arrested several individuals described as serious criminal offenders who were in the United States illegally. The arrests took place across different states and involved individuals convicted of crimes such as sexual assault, aggravated assault, and drug trafficking.
“Sex offenders. Violent Thugs. Drug traffickers. These are just a few of the scumbags here illegally who we have arrested thanks to President Trump,” said Secretary Noem. “President Trump and I have a clear message to those in our country illegally: LEAVE NOW. If you do not self-deport, we will hunt you down, arrest you, and deport you. Download the FREE CBP Home App today to self-deport."
Among those arrested was Modesto Morales-Bernabe from Mexico, who was convicted of third-degree sexual assault in Gunnison County, Colorado. Mario Joel Marquez from Honduras was convicted of assault and two counts of aggravated assault in Davidson County, Tennessee.
Gabriel Rodriguez-Martinez from Mexico was convicted for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine in the Southern District of Texas McAllen Division federal court.
Gilbert Ruiz-Broche from Cuba faced conviction for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute over 500 grams of methamphetamine in Austin, Texas.
Claudio Alejandro Ayvar from the Dominican Republic was convicted for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl in Lynn, Massachusetts.
These actions come during what is described as the longest government shutdown led by Democrats in American history; however, ICE operations continue despite this context.
