U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) used its official Twitter account on February 24, 2026, to provide updates on recent enforcement actions and programs targeting criminal activity and voluntary departures.
In a tweet posted at 14:05 UTC, ICE stated: "Soulath Baythavong, of Laos, was a priority target for ICE because he’s a MURDERER and CHILD SEX PREDATOR. He’s been convicted of: —KIDNAPPING A CHILD FOR RAPE —WILLFUL HOMICIDE —AGGRAVATED ASSAULT —ESCAPE ICE @EROSanDiego’s Fugitive Operations Unit apprehended him outside https://t.co/TqhzKUYmyB".
Later that day, at 16:37 UTC, the agency promoted its voluntary departure program by tweeting: "Leave on your own terms with $2,600 and a FREE flight home for you and your family. https://t.co/Ci1fP6L2T9 https://t.co/feRU18IZqJ".
At 17:00 UTC, ICE highlighted the results of an enforcement operation in Minnesota with the following message: "Operation Metro Surge got dangerous criminal aliens off Minnesota's streets. Here are just some of the most egregious criminals from the operation featured by @FullMeasureNews this weekend. https://t.co/puc9nq46s9".
ICE is responsible for enforcing federal laws governing border control, customs, trade, and immigration to promote homeland security and public safety. The agency conducts targeted operations to remove individuals deemed threats due to criminal convictions or other factors. Voluntary departure programs are part of ICE's efforts to encourage non-citizens without legal status to leave the United States on their own accord rather than face formal removal proceedings.
