1,361 Criminal Aliens Arrested by ICE in Houston
ICE Houston arrests: In June, ICE arrested 1,361 criminal aliens in the Houston area during a targeted enforcement operation. These individuals were either charged with or convicted of serious crimes after illegally entering the United States.
The arrests included:
- 32 convicted child predators
- 9 individuals convicted of homicide-related offenses
- 16 gang/cartel members
- 1 alien convicted of airplane hijacking
High-Profile Arrests Highlight Serious Threats
Some of the most severe cases included:
- David Antonio Lazo-Alvarenga, 42, from El Salvador: Arrested June 12. Entered the U.S. illegally four times. Convicted three times for DWI and once for illegal reentry.
- Adermis Wilson-Gonzalez, 56, from Cuba: Convicted in 2003 of hijacking an airplane from Cuba to Key West, arrested June 29.
- Arnulfo Olivares Cervantes, 47, from Mexico: Former Mexicles gang member, convicted of drug trafficking, attempted murder, and multiple illegal entries.
- Luis Pablo Vasquez-Estolano, 29, from Mexico: Deported six times. Convicted of homicide, aggravated robbery, and drug possession.
- Jose Meza, 40, from Mexico: Convicted of sexual assault of a minor and theft.
- Javier Escobar Gonzalez, 51, from Mexico: Convicted of indecency with a minor, criminal trespass with a deadly weapon, and firearm violations.
ICE Defends Operation Amid Criticism
Gabriel Martinez, acting director of ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Houston, stated:
“The brave men and women of ICE continue to work tirelessly… restoring integrity to our nation’s immigration system and bolstering public safety.”
He emphasized that removing dangerous individuals such as child predators, gang members, and violent felons enhances safety for all families in Southeast Texas.
Coordination with Local and Federal Agencies
These arrests were part of routine enforcement operations in collaboration with local, state, and federal law enforcement to strengthen border and national security.
The ICE ERO Houston field office remains active in targeting criminal aliens as part of its mission to enforce immigration laws and ensure community safety.
Source: Ice.gov