U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested several individuals convicted of serious crimes, including murder and weapons trafficking, according to a May 6 announcement from the Department of Homeland Security.
The arrests are part of ongoing efforts to address public safety threats posed by individuals in the country illegally who have been charged or convicted of crimes. Nearly 70% of ICE arrests involve illegal aliens charged or convicted of a crime in the United States.
Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin said, "Every single day we deal with sanctuary cities and sanctuary states turning criminals that are illegal aliens out on the streets. All we're trying to do is protect our homeland, and all we want is cooperation. But some of these crazy liberal mayors, judges, prosecuting attorneys, and governors are protecting criminals instead of protecting you."
The individuals arrested include Jose Luis Mata-Flores from Mexico, convicted for murder in Los Angeles; Nhan Tu Hoang from Vietnam, also convicted for murder in Jefferson County, Texas; Luis Alonso Serrano-Sarmiento from Honduras—an alleged member of the 18th Street Gang—convicted for possession of a weapon and multiple counts related to aggravated assault and conspiracy in Boston; Johnson Ogunlana from Nigeria, convicted for conspiracy to commit bank fraud and mail fraud in Maryland; and Kartik Sharma from India, convicted for burglary in Queens, New York.
Officials said that more information about public safety threats arrested by ICE can be found at WOW.DHS.Gov.
