U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) reported a significant increase in enforcement actions in Hawaii, as well as recent arrests involving individuals with serious criminal convictions, according to posts made on its official social media account in early January 2026.
On January 6, 2026, ICE stated: "Arrests and removals by ICE in Hawaii through October were quadruple those in all of 2024, based on ICE operations data." The agency added, "Whether you're on the mainland or the islands — if you are a criminal illegal alien who does not self-deport, you can expect a visit from ICE."
Later that day, ICE announced an arrest made by its Los Angeles office: "DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, WITNESS THREATENING & MORE
ICE Los Angeles arrested Victor Alfonso Graciano-Quiterio, a criminal illegal alien from Mexico, Dec. 27.
His previous convictions include possession of a controlled substance, domestic violence and using force or threat against" The tweet highlights the types of offenses involved and notes that Graciano-Quiterio is originally from Mexico.
On January 7, 2026, ICE provided details about another case: "DRUG TRAFFICKING & MURDER-FOR-HIRE CONSPIRACY
Rudy Adonaldo Chavez, a criminal illegal alien from Guatemala, has prior convictions in Maryland for a murder-for-hire conspiracy and cocaine trafficking.
He’s in ICE custody awaiting removal proceedings following his transfer from" The message identifies Chavez's nationality and previous convictions related to drug trafficking and violent crime.
The agency’s reporting reflects ongoing efforts to publicize enforcement activities involving non-citizens convicted of serious crimes. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is responsible for enforcing federal immigration laws and prioritizes cases involving individuals with criminal backgrounds for arrest and removal proceedings.
