Since the beginning of the year, US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has made hundreds of thousands of arrests, with a notable five major offenders taken in just on Thursday, according to reports.
Since the Trump administration took office, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has arrested over 417,000 undocumented individuals, with more than 210,000 arrests attributed directly to ICE. Officials mention that around 70% of these arrests involve individuals either facing charges or already convicted. On Thursday specifically, ICE detained an illegal alien with convictions for heinous offenses like aggravated sexual assault and attempted murder.
DHS Deputy Secretary Tricia McLaughlin commented, “We’re getting rid of murderers, rapists, and other dangerous individuals. These are the criminals ICE has apprehended and removed from our communities.”
McLaughlin also emphasized the importance of recognizing law enforcement for their bravery in making these arrests, while expressing frustration that some politicians and activists continue to criticize ICE.
Among the individuals arrested recently was Hambert Saul Rodriguez Mendoza, a Mexican national convicted of animal cruelty involving severe harm and poisoning. Another individual arrested was Alexander Roderico Hernandez Gomez, a Guatemalan who previously faced charges of first-degree assault in South Carolina.
Additionally, ICE apprehended Yannick Damnga from the Central African Republic, who has a conviction for aggravated assault in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Reports indicate that assaults against ICE officials have surged by over 1,000%, highlighting the dangers that those in law enforcement face. In August, there was even an incident where rocks were thrown through windows at the ICE office in Washington, resulting in a fire, coinciding with the statements from DHS officials concerning rising violence against their agencies.
Another arrest involved Ronald Jean-Jacques from Haiti, who has a history of assault and weapon possession, and was also charged with attempted murder in Queens, New York. In Pasaic, New Jersey, ICE detained Fernando Ramirez Quirino, also from Mexico.
The Trump administration has framed the ongoing border situation and efforts against illegal immigration as significant achievements. In a recent interview, President Trump expressed satisfaction with the deportation rates but noted that the media hasn’t fully captured their administration’s efforts.
Trump mentioned, “Millions have left. It’s not exactly a major story, but the real key is self-deportation. We provide incentives for individuals to leave, which means they can opt to come back in the future. If they stay, though, returning won’t be an option.”
