U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) reported a series of arrests over the recent Christmas weekend, targeting individuals described as "the worst of the worst criminal illegal aliens." According to ICE, those arrested had been convicted of crimes such as child abuse, attempted murder, sexual assault, and other violent offenses.
Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin stated, “While many Americans began celebrating Christmas with their families and loved ones this weekend, ICE arrested gang members, child pedophiles, abusers, and an attempted murderer. All year long, our law enforcement officers worked around-the-clock, including weekends and holidays, to arrest the worst of the worst. We are thankful for our law enforcement who delivered the best Christmas gift for American families this holiday season: safer communities.”
The list of individuals arrested includes Juan Jesus Acosta-Gutierrez from Mexico—identified as a Surenos-13 gang member—convicted in California for lewd acts with a child under 14 by force or fear; Udit Mehra from India convicted in Florida for cruelty toward a child and obscene communication; That Xiong from Laos convicted in California for attempted murder; Juan Carlos Marrufo-Flores from Mexico convicted in Texas for aggravated sexual assault of a child; David Cerna-Calderon from Mexico convicted in Texas for assault causing bodily injury to a family member; Yesenia Martinez-Gonzalez from Mexico convicted in Texas for child neglect and related charges; Jose Dante Ortiz-Alvalardo from Mexico convicted in North Carolina for second degree force sex offense; Edwin Ismael-Hernandez from Mexico convicted in California for multiple offenses including vehicle theft; David Abraham Hernandez-Velez from Mexico convicted in Texas for assault of a public servant; Jerson Poveda-Delgado from Colombia convicted in Indiana for battery against a public safety official; Daniel Emony from Democratic Republic of the Congo convicted in Virginia for false statements and identity theft; Carlos Martinez-Melendez from Mexico convicted in Texas for robbery; Justo Perez-Escobar from Mexico convicted in New Jersey for unlawful possession of a handgun; Isaias Alvarado-Arellano from Mexico convicted in Oregon on drug conspiracy charges; and Rudy Gonzalez from Cuba convicted in Florida on racketeering charges.
ICE also announced that individuals illegally present in the United States are being encouraged to self-deport using the CBP Home app before December 31, 2025. Those who do so may receive a $3,000 stipend along with complimentary airfare home during the holiday period.
