U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) shared updates on March 18 and 19, 2026, regarding recent enforcement actions involving individuals described as criminal illegal aliens with serious convictions.
On March 18, ICE reported the case of Yanina Marcela Ruiz, stating: "Yanina Marcela Ruiz is a criminal illegal alien from Argentina and South American Theft Group member with convictions for LARCENY, GRAND THEFT and DUI — plus an extensive rap sheet full of arrests, including multiple for alleged domestic violence. ICE @EROLosAngeles was aware https://t.co/mUACCbf8br".
Later that day, another update concerned Jorge Zapata Perez: "ICE @EROSeattle arrested Jorge Zapata Perez, a criminal illegal alien from Mexico who has been convicted of rape related charges and sentenced to prison TWICE. He illegally snuck back into the U.S. after being deported — a felony offense. ICE ERO officers work every day to keep https://t.co/d4FUAwJ35o".
On March 19, ICE highlighted the case of Barbaro Grass-Vasquez: "FOUR COUNTS OF SEXUAL ASSAULT meant a life sentence in NV for Cuban criminal illegal alien Barbaro Grass-Vasquez, but he was paroled shortly after by the Nevada Department of Corrections. Now, thanks to ICE officers, he's off the street. He has a 2020 final removal order and https://t.co/MrPOWV8TLA".
These posts reflect ongoing efforts by ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) teams in Los Angeles and Seattle to apprehend individuals with significant criminal histories who have violated U.S. immigration laws. The cases involve repeat offenses such as larceny, grand theft, DUI, sexual assault, rape-related charges, and violations following prior deportations.
The agency’s statements come amid continued national debate over immigration enforcement policies and procedures regarding individuals with criminal records residing unlawfully in the United States.
