Six-time deported gang member wanted for murder busted in Texas illegal immigration sting

A massive law enforcement operation was carried out in the Colony Ridge subdivision of Plum Grove, Texas, resulting in the arrest of nearly 120 individuals suspected of being in the U.S. illegally. Among those apprehended was Luis Miguel Perez-Miranda, a 34-year-old Salvadoran national and alleged member of the notorious MS-13 gang, who is accused of murdering a man in the Houston area. Perez-Miranda has a long and troubled history with U.S. immigration authorities, having been deported six times prior to his latest arrest. The operation, which involved U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), Homeland Security, and the Liberty County Sheriff’s Office, aimed to address the growing concerns of illegal immigration and criminal activity in the area.

The arrest of Perez-Miranda is particularly significant due to his alleged involvement in a recent homicide in the Colony Ridge neighborhood. Authorities had been conducting a manhunt for him before he was finally apprehended and taken into custody at the Liberty County Jail. Perez-Miranda’s history of re-entering the U.S. illegally after multiple deportations has raised questions about the effectiveness of current immigration enforcement measures. His criminal record includes convictions for drug trafficking, drug possession, and illegal entry into the U.S., highlighting the dangers posed by individuals who repeatedly violate immigration laws and engage in criminal activities.

The operation was part of a broader effort to combat illegal immigration and criminal activity in Colony Ridge, a large housing development near Houston that has become a hub for illegal immigration. Texas Governor Greg Abbott, a Republican, announced the operation on social media, stating that state authorities were working with federal agencies to target the area. Colony Ridge has gained notoriety for its reputation as a magnet for illegal immigrants, with thousands believed to be living there. The area is also reportedly plagued by cartel activity and a lack of police presence, creating an environment conducive to crime and exploitation.

Border security expert and former ICE official Tom Homan provided additional context about the operation, emphasizing that it was not a random sweep but rather a targeted effort to apprehend individuals with criminal records or outstanding warrants. Homan explained that many of those arrested had been identified as part of a larger criminal investigation and were known to be residing in the Colony Ridge area. While the primary focus of the operation was on individuals with criminal histories or those who posed a threat to national security, Homan also made it clear that anyone found to be in the U.S. illegally was at risk of deportation.

The charges and convictions of those arrested during the operation underscore the seriousness of the crimes being addressed. Among the offenses cited by ICE were criminal sexual conduct, homicide, theft, negligent manslaughter, child sexual abuse, weapons offenses, and drug offenses. These charges highlight the importance of enforcing immigration laws and targeting individuals who engage in criminal activities. The operation also serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in balancing the need to protect public safety with the complexities of immigration enforcement.

Director Bret Bradford of ICE’s Houston Field Office praised the efforts of the agents involved in the operation, noting their bravery and dedication to making communities safer. He criticized those who spread misinformation about ICE and its mission, emphasizing that the agency’s work is critical to protecting the public from dangerous individuals like Perez-Miranda. The successful apprehension of the alleged MS-13 member and the dozens of others arrested during the operation demonstrates the effectiveness of collaborative efforts between federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies in addressing the complex issues surrounding illegal immigration and crime. However, the case also raises questions about the systemic challenges of preventing illegal re-entry and ensuring public safety in communities like Colony Ridge.