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Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials continued their enforcement operations throughout the Christmas weekend, apprehending several dangerous criminals who had entered the country illegally, according to a Department of Homeland Security spokesperson.
“While Americans across the country spent time with their families this Christmas season, ICE continued delivering the American people the greatest gift of 2025: getting criminals out of our neighborhoods and protecting our families,” DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin told Fox News Digital in an exclusive statement.
Among those arrested on Sunday was Julio Miguel Gonzalez, a Cuban national convicted of homicide in Miami. ICE officers also apprehended Juan Perez-Tello, a Mexican citizen convicted of lewd and lascivious acts with a child under 14 years old in Santa Barbara, California.
Jose Barrera-Bolanos, another Mexican national, was taken into custody on the same day. He had previously been convicted of sexual assault of a child in Denver.
The weekend operations also resulted in the arrest of Carlos Esqueda-Ortega, who authorities say has multiple convictions, including illegal re-entry after deportation, possession of a controlled substance for sale, inflicting corporal injury on a spouse/cohabitant, and being a felon in possession of a firearm. His offenses span several California locations, including San Diego, Santa Rosa, Stockton, and Manteca.
In Texas, ICE agents arrested Gustavo Benitez-Barrueta, a Mexican national convicted of possession of cocaine with intent to distribute in Austin.
“ICE officers arrested heinous criminal illegal aliens yesterday, including monsters who sexually abused children and murderers,” McLaughlin stated. “Under President Trump and Secretary Noem, criminal illegal aliens have NO PLACE in our country.”
These arrests come amid a significant increase in immigration enforcement actions since the Trump administration returned to office in January. According to figures released by DHS earlier this month, more than 2.5 million undocumented immigrants have left the United States over the past year, including more than 605,000 who were formally deported.
The administration has adopted a multi-pronged approach to address illegal immigration. Beyond stepped-up enforcement operations targeting criminal offenders, the government has implemented programs encouraging voluntary departure.
One such initiative allows undocumented immigrants to use the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Home Mobile App to arrange for voluntary return to their countries of origin. Those who participate receive a complimentary plane ticket home and financial incentives.
Initially offering a $1,000 exit bonus, the program recently increased the payment to $3,000 for those who register by the end of the year, according to DHS officials.
Immigration enforcement has been a cornerstone of President Trump’s domestic policy agenda since his first administration. During his 2024 campaign, he promised to implement what he termed the largest deportation operation in American history if returned to office.
The current enforcement surge represents a marked shift from the previous administration’s approach, which prioritized cases involving national security threats and recent border crossers over other categories of undocumented immigrants.
Critics of the administration’s policies have raised concerns about civil liberties and family separations resulting from intensified enforcement activities. However, supporters point to the focus on individuals with serious criminal convictions as evidence that the operations are enhancing public safety.
The DHS has emphasized that its enforcement priorities will continue through the holiday season and into the new year, with particular attention to those with violent criminal histories.
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18 Comments
This ICE operation is a stark reminder that we still have work to do to secure our borders and prevent dangerous criminals from entering the country. Protecting public safety should be a top priority.
I agree. While the holidays are a time of celebration, we cannot lose sight of the need for robust immigration enforcement to keep our communities safe.
This is a good reminder that there are still too many serious criminals who have slipped through the cracks of our immigration system. We need to continue strengthening border security and interior enforcement.
I agree. Even one criminal immigrant who slips through is one too many. We must remain diligent to keep our neighborhoods safe.
It’s concerning to see convicted murderers and child predators illegally entering the country. ICE’s work to arrest these individuals and deport them is vital for safeguarding our communities.
Absolutely. We cannot let our guard down, even during the holidays. Kudos to ICE for continuing their important mission of enforcing our immigration laws.
While the holidays are a time for family and celebration, it’s critical that law enforcement remains vigilant in apprehending criminals who pose a threat to our communities. This ICE operation is a step in the right direction.
I agree. The safety of law-abiding citizens should always come first, even during the holiday season. Kudos to ICE for their diligence.
Kudos to ICE for their work, especially around the holidays. Removing convicted murderers and child predators from our communities is crucial for public safety.
Yes, this operation demonstrates the important role ICE plays in protecting Americans from dangerous foreign nationals. Their work should be commended.
Removing convicted murderers and child predators from our country is a critical task. ICE’s efforts to apprehend these individuals and deport them are commendable and necessary for public safety.
Absolutely. Keeping dangerous foreign criminals out of the country should be a top priority for law enforcement, even during the holiday season.
This is a sobering reminder that illegal immigration is not just a victimless crime. Allowing violent criminals to enter and remain in the country puts innocent lives at risk. Tighter border controls are clearly needed.
Absolutely. Enforcing our immigration laws is a matter of national security and public safety, not just an abstract policy debate.
Glad to see ICE apprehending dangerous criminals who should not have been in the country in the first place. Keeping our communities safe should be the top priority, even during the holidays.
Absolutely. We need to be vigilant about enforcing our immigration laws to protect innocent people from violent offenders.
Removing dangerous foreign criminals from our country is essential for public safety. This ICE operation is a good example of the important work they do to protect American citizens.
Yes, I’m glad to see ICE taking action to apprehend these violent offenders. Their efforts are crucial for upholding the rule of law and keeping our communities secure.