U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced on Mar. 31 the arrest of several individuals described as public safety threats, including those convicted of aggravated sexual assault of a child, aggravated kidnapping, assault with a deadly weapon, and other serious offenses.
The announcement highlights ongoing efforts by ICE to remove individuals with criminal convictions from U.S. communities. The agency said these actions are part of its mandate to address public safety concerns.
Acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis said, “Despite constant smears from sanctuary politicians and the media, the brave men and women of ICE will not be deterred from removing criminal illegal aliens from our communities.” Bis continued, “Just yesterday, ICE arrested pedophiles, kidnappers, violent assailants, and other depraved monsters. Next time you see an ICE officer, thank them for their service to our nation and for making America safe again.”
Among those arrested were Carlos Capurro from Peru—convicted for aggravated sexual assault of a victim under 13 years old in Essex County, New Jersey; Martin Feliciano Barragan-Rojas from Mexico—convicted for aggravated kidnapping in Hurricane, Utah; Sergio Javier Portillo-Perez from El Salvador—convicted for assault with a deadly weapon in Fairfield, California; Francisco Velardo-Vasquez from Mexico—convicted for assault with a firearm in Van Nuys, California; and Shawn Kaleffe Graham from Jamaica—convicted for robbery in Galveston County, Texas.
ICE stated that more information about similar arrests can be found on their webpage WOW.DHS.Gov.
The agency’s announcement comes amid ongoing debate over immigration enforcement policies across the country.
