Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents conducted a series of arrests targeting individuals with serious criminal convictions across multiple states.
The arrests occurred on the same day that an MS-13 gang member was sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of Rachel Morin in Maryland. According to Breitbart, the enforcement actions captured multiple individuals previously convicted of violent crimes, including murder, sexual assault, and child abuse.
Department of Homeland Security spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin emphasized the ongoing nature of these enforcement operations. She stated that ICE law enforcement continues working around the clock to protect Americans from dangerous criminals.
Convicted murderers among those detained
ICE agents arrested 69-year-old Gabriel Figueroa-Gama from Mexico, who had been convicted of murder in Chicago, Illinois. The arrest occurred despite Chicago's sanctuary city policies that limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities.
Agents also detained 50-year-old Rodolfo Sagastume-Avolos from Guatemala, who was convicted of "murder intention" in New York state. The case highlights ongoing tensions between federal immigration enforcement and sanctuary jurisdictions. New York maintains sanctuary state policies designed to protect undocumented immigrants from federal deportation efforts.
Both arrests demonstrate ICE's continued focus on targeting individuals with the most serious criminal backgrounds. The agency has prioritized cases involving violent felonies as part of its enforcement strategy.
Sexual assault convictions lead to additional arrests
Francisco Perez-Gonzalez, a 24-year-old from Guatemala, was arrested after being convicted of sodomy by force in California. The arrest took place in a sanctuary state that has implemented policies limiting local law enforcement cooperation with ICE.
Juan Carlos Albardo-Relles, 42, from Honduras was detained following his conviction for aggravated assault of a child in Harris County, Texas. The case involved charges related to child abuse, according to the enforcement records. Texas has generally supported federal immigration enforcement efforts, contrasting with sanctuary jurisdictions.
These arrests represent part of broader enforcement actions targeting individuals with sexual offense convictions. ICE has indicated that protecting vulnerable populations, particularly children, remains a priority in its operations.
Additional arrests in sanctuary jurisdictions
Luis Galavis-De La Rosa, a 30-year-old from Mexico, was arrested by ICE agents in Queens, New York City. He had been previously convicted of robbery and criminal possession of a weapon charges.
The arrest occurred within New York City's jurisdiction, which maintains sanctuary policies limiting cooperation with federal immigration authorities. These policies create ongoing friction between local and federal law enforcement agencies. The case illustrates continued federal enforcement despite local sanctuary protections.
Queens represents one of the most diverse areas in New York City with a significant immigrant population. The arrest demonstrates ICE's willingness to conduct operations in areas with protective local policies.
Policy implications and enforcement priorities
The arrests coincided with the life sentence imposed on Rachel Morin's killer, an MS-13 gang member from El Salvador. This timing was specifically highlighted by Department of Homeland Security officials in their public statements.
The enforcement actions reflect the Trump administration's renewed focus on immigration violations combined with criminal convictions. Secretary Noem and President Trump have emphasized prioritizing American safety over protecting undocumented immigrants with criminal records.
These operations signal a significant shift from previous policies that may have provided more protection for individuals in sanctuary jurisdictions. The arrests demonstrate federal determination to enforce immigration law regardless of local sanctuary policies.
