U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced on December 23, 2025, that it had conducted a national operation resulting in the detention of over 1,000 individuals described as "illegal aliens." The series of posts referenced the operation as “Angel’s Honor” and highlighted its dedication to Laken Riley.
In a tweet posted on December 23, ICE stated: "National operation, Angel's Honor. 14 days. Over 1,000 illegal aliens detained. In honor of Laken Riley whose life was taken by a violent, criminal illegal alien. ICE’s mission is to ensure that no more Americans will fall victim to illegal alien crime." A subsequent post from the same day included only a link: "https://t.co/Q3NrbVjOaI".
Later that evening, ICE shared details about an individual apprehended during their operations: "Meet Elliot Christian Hernandez-Padilla, a criminal illegal alien from Mexico with an extensive rap sheet. His criminal history includes convictions for: • DUI • HIT & RUN • AGGRAVATED ASSAULT • 5 TRAFFIC OFFENSES • SYNTHETIC NARCOTIC POSSESSION ICE Nashville arrested".
The agency has previously conducted large-scale enforcement actions targeting individuals in violation of immigration laws and has often publicized arrests involving those with criminal records or outstanding warrants. These efforts are part of ongoing initiatives by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to address concerns related to public safety and immigration enforcement.
Laken Riley’s name was invoked in connection with this operation; her death has been cited in recent debates about immigration policy and law enforcement responses across the United States.
