Massive ICE operation nabs nearly 650 illegal aliens in Texas, over 80% with criminal charges or convictions

In a significant effort to enhance public safety, national security, and border security, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), in collaboration with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, conducted a weeklong immigration crackdown in the Houston area. The operation, which took place from February 23 to March 2, resulted in the arrest of 646 undocumented individuals, including 543 criminal aliens and seven documented gang members. This large-scale enforcement effort underscores the ongoing commitment of law enforcement agencies to address illegal immigration and related criminal activities in the region.

The operation was carried out by ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), along with other federal agencies such as the FBI, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). State and local partners, including the Texas Department of Public Safety and the U.S. Marshals Service, also played a critical role in the crackdown. Together, these agencies executed 71 criminal arrest warrants and made 554 administrative arrests, targeting individuals who had violated U.S. immigration laws as well as those with criminal records.

Among the 543 criminal aliens arrested, many had been charged with or convicted of serious offenses. For instance, 140 individuals were linked to aggravated felonies or violent crimes, such as homicide, aggravated assault, and domestic violence. An additional 34 were charged or convicted of sex offenses or child sex offenses, including crimes like aggravated sexual assault of a minor, possession of child pornography, and rape. Furthermore, 38 criminal aliens had been convicted of illegal firearms offenses, such as unlawful possession of a firearm or aggravated assault with a firearm, while 52 others were connected to drug trafficking or the criminal possession of controlled substances. Another 51 individuals were charged with or convicted of property crimes, and 93 faced charges related to driving while intoxicated.

The operation also targeted individuals involved in transnational criminal activities, including human smuggling, human trafficking, and weapons trafficking. ICE officials emphasized that many of these criminal aliens had exploited the ongoing crisis at the U.S.-Mexico border to enter the country illegally, only to continue their criminal behavior and threaten the safety of law-abiding citizens. By arresting these individuals, law enforcement agencies aimed to disrupt criminal networks and send a strong message to transnational criminal organizations that their activities will not be tolerated.

Bret Bradford, director of ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations Houston Field Office, highlighted the significance of the operation, stating that some of the world’s most dangerous fugitives and transnational gang members have taken advantage of the border crisis to enter the U.S. illegally. He noted that these individuals often go on to commit violent crimes, spreading fear and terrorizing communities. By removing these criminals from the streets, the operation has made the Houston area significantly safer.

Chad Plantz, special agent in charge of ICE HSI in Houston, also commended the collaborative efforts of the law enforcement agencies involved. He emphasized that the operation demonstrated the unity and determination of the law enforcement community in the Texas Gulf Coast region to combat transnational crime. By arresting human smugglers, gang members, drug traffickers, and other criminal elements, the agencies have strengthened national security and sent a clear warning to criminal organizations: the U.S. will not serve as a safe haven for illegal activities.