How ICE Makes Sanctuary States Safer by Removing Violent Criminals

WASHINGTON, DC – On Thanksgiving Day, Homeland Security issued a press release highlighting that Americans residing within sanctuary states and cities are “thankful” for the efforts by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) which are “making their neighborhoods safe again.”

The press release from Homeland Security regarding ICE enforcement actions across various sanctuary states specifically called out the governors of California, Illinois and New York, emphasizing, “Governor Newsom, Governor Pritzker, and Governor Hochul put American lives at risk by allowing murderers, gang members, and drug traffickers to roam free.”

A dozen criminal illegal aliens apprehended by ICE were highlighted by the agency as well within the Thanksgiving-themed press release, pointing to the extensive criminal histories of the aliens in question who were shielded by the sanctuary policies the current administration is critical of.
 

•          Jesus Vega-Arvizu, a criminal illegal alien from Mexico, was apprehended in Illinois by ICE after being removed from the country six times in the past while harboring convictions for aggravated assault of a federal officer, burglary, and six counts of illegal reentry
•          Pedro Enrique Colmenares-Gonzalez, a criminal illegal alien and Tren de Aragua gang member from Venezuela, was apprehended by ICE in Illinois, toting an arrest record for homicide, sexual assault with a firearm, and obstructing justice and a conviction of possession of a weapon
•          Jonathan Avina-Barrera, a criminal illegal alien from Mexico and Latin Kings gang member, was apprehended by ICE in Illinois, having prior convictions of escape and robbery and past arrests for unlawful possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon, possession of narcotics, and drug dealing
•          Adolfo Ismael Enriquez-Orozco, a criminal illegal alien from Guatemala and Paisas gang member, was apprehended by ICE in Illinois, with prior convictions of alien smuggling and slavery/human trafficking and a past arrest for battery
•          Kevin Omar Perez-Diaz, a criminal illegal alien from El Salvador and MS-13 gang member, was apprehended by ICE in California, having past convictions of disturbing public peace, willful and unlawful use of force or violence upon the person of another and prior arrests for four counts of domestic violence, three counts of drug possession, two counts of battery, two counts of brandishing a replica firearm, failure to appear, and a weapons offense
•          Hector Machado-Mendoza, a criminal illegal alien from Mexico and Norteños gang member, was apprehended by ICE in California, harboring prior convictions for illegal reentry, domestic violence, and vehicle theft
•          Juan Ruiz-Ruiz, a criminal illegal alien from Mexico and West Side 18th Street gang member, was apprehended by ICE in California, with the individual having a final order of deportation dating back to 1995 alongside prior convictions of drug possession, drug trafficking, selling cocaine, and driving under the influence
•          Jose Antonio Flores-Duenas, a criminal illegal alien from Mexico and Surenos-13 gang member, was apprehended by ICE in California, the individual was previously removed from the country four separate times as well as a past conviction for domestic violence and a prior arrest for illegal reentry
•          Robert Savio Panton, a criminal illegal alien from Jamaica and a Black Guerrilla Family gang member, was apprehended by ICE in New York, hosting a prior conviction of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute heroin (41 kilos)
•          Josue Betancourt-Brito, a criminal illegal alien from Venezuela and Tren de Aragua gang member, was apprehended by ICE in New York, and has prior convictions of three counts of disorderly conduct, two counts of larceny, and assault as well as prior arrests for destroying evidence, obstruction, possession of stolen property, and assault
•          Carlos Roberto Rivera, a criminal illegal alien from Honduras, was apprehended by ICE in New York, bearing prior arrests for burglary and assault as well as past convictions of attempted murder, racketeering, possession of a weapon, and drug trafficking
•          Jose Armando Martinez, a criminal illegal alien from El Salvador and a MS-13 gang member, was apprehended by ICE in New York, hosting prior arrests for homicide and racketeering

Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin issued a statement that accompanied the press release, saying, “Americans should take a moment at the table this Thanksgiving to give thanks to the men and women of ICE law enforcement who are literally putting their lives on the line to arrest murderers, rapists, pedophiles, gang members, and terrorists.”

McLaughlin further emphasized the Thanksgiving sentiments in her statement, adding, “No one should be more grateful than those living in sanctuary states where their politicians failed to protect them and chose to prioritize criminal illegal aliens over their own constituents' safety. Governor Newsom, Governor Pritzker, and Governor Hochul, you’re welcome for making your neighborhoods safe again.”