Department of Homeland Security officers arrested dozens of violent criminals, including child predators, gang members, and rapists, across the country this weekend, even as Democrats in Congress continue blocking the agency’s funding in a standoff over immigration enforcement operations.
Arrests Continue Nationwide Despite Funding Freeze
Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers made high-profile arrests in multiple states, apprehending individuals with serious criminal convictions. In Alexandria, Virginia, officers arrested Pedro Antonio Luna from El Salvador, convicted of three counts of aggravated sexual battery of a victim under 13 years old. In California, ICE arrested Luis Calderon-Martinez, a Salvadoran gang member with multiple felony convictions, including conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, heroin, and cocaine. Acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis told reporters that ICE will continue arresting public safety threats from communities and will not allow Democrats to slow down operations.
ICE Agents Deployed to Airports Nationwide
Officers were seen assisting the understaffed Transportation Security Administration at major airports in New York City, Chicago, Houston, Phoenix, Atlanta, and New Orleans. Border czar Tom Homan announced Sunday that ICE agents will continue a strong presence at airports until operations return to normal capacity. During airport deployments, enforcement continued with arrests at John F. Kennedy, LaGuardia, and Newark Liberty airports. Pierre Bell, convicted of rape in the Bronx, was arrested in the New York area. At Chicago’s O’Hare Airport, officers arrested Miguel Benitez-Campos from Mexico, convicted of unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon.
Criminal Arrests in Texas and California
In Harris County, Texas, home to Houston where airports experienced massive delays, ICE arrested Jose Santos Vigil-Mendez from El Salvador and Jorge Luis Carrera-Hernandez from Mexico. Both were convicted of deadly conduct, with Carrera-Hernandez also convicted of controlled substance possession. California saw six arrests over the weekend, including Angel Navarro-Camarillo, a registered sex offender and active gang member convicted of lewd acts with a child under 14. In Santa Barbara, officers arrested Higinio Gonzalez Machorro from Mexico, convicted of rape by use of drugs. Homeland Security continues operating without funding as Democrats demand changes to immigration enforcement policies before restoring the department’s budget.