Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested several individuals convicted of serious crimes, including murder, sexual abuse, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, and attempted drug trafficking on Apr. 21, according to a statement from the Department of Homeland Security.
The arrests were announced as part of National Crime Victims Week. The Department said its actions aim to support justice for victims and prevent further crimes by removing criminal illegal aliens from communities.
Acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis said, “During National Crime Victims Week, DHS is continuing its work to fight for justice for victims of illegal alien crime by removing criminal illegal aliens from our communities before they can perpetrate more crimes and create more victims.” Bis added: “Just yesterday, ICE arrested murderers, sexual predators, violent assailants, and drug traffickers. Under President Trump and Secretary Mullin, DHS will never stop fighting for justice for the innocent Americans whose lives were stolen by illegal aliens who should have never been in our country.”
Among those arrested were Juan Reyes-Barragan in Ventura, California (convicted of murder); Rocio Monterde-Santiago in Seward County, Kansas (convicted of felony attempted second-degree murder); Gerardo Maldonado-Martinez in New York City (convicted of sexual abuse); Mauricio Mendez-Zacarias in Hidalgo County, Texas (convicted of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon); and Edgar Anaya-Velazquez in Henderson County, North Carolina (convicted of attempted trafficking in methamphetamine).
Victims seeking assistance may contact the Victims of Immigration Crime Engagement Office at 1-855-488-6423. Additional information about public safety threats is available on the department’s website at WOW.DHS.Gov.
The announcement comes as federal agencies highlight efforts to protect communities during National Crime Victims Week.
