As the United States geared up for New Year celebrations, its immigration enforcement agency launched a targeted operation resulting in multiple arrests. The US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced a series of apprehensions focusing on undocumented immigrants with serious criminal histories, carried out across several states.
Operation Targets "Worst of the Worst" Criminals
According to a statement from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the arrests specifically zeroed in on individuals convicted of heinous crimes. These offences included sexual assault of a minor, domestic violence, drug-related crimes, and human smuggling. The operation was conducted over the past day, showcasing a continued enforcement drive.
A spokesperson for DHS framed the action within the context of the Trump administration's first-year policies. "In President Trump’s first year in office, ICE law enforcement relentlessly targeted the worst of the worst criminal illegal aliens across our country," the spokesperson stated. Highlighting the immediacy of the action, they added, "Just yesterday ICE arrested domestic abusers, drug traffickers, and a monster who raped a child under 12-years-old."
Who Were the Individuals Arrested?
The agency provided details of several individuals taken into custody during this operation. The arrests spanned different nationalities and locations, reflecting a nationwide sweep.
- Artemio Gabriel-Perez, an undocumented immigrant from Guatemala, was convicted of rape in the second degree. The conviction involved a victim under 12 years old in Scott County, Kentucky.
- Julian Ramos-Vicente, also from Guatemala, was apprehended. He had a conviction for aggravated assault in Floyd, Georgia.
- Panfilo Padilla-Garcia, a Mexican national, was arrested. His conviction was for domestic violence assault in Las Vegas, Nevada.
- Muhammad Baloch, an undocumented immigrant from Pakistan, was taken into custody. He was convicted for manufacturing or delivery of a controlled substance in Collin County, Texas.
- Gabino Huerta-Navarrete, from Mexico, was arrested. He was convicted for alien smuggling in the US District Court for the Southern District of Texas.
ICE's "New Year's Resolution" and Future Focus
The DHS spokesperson concluded the announcement by framing the agency's future intentions, calling it a "New Year's resolution for 2026." The stated goal is "more worst of the worst arrests." The spokesperson expressed gratitude to the ICE officers, acknowledging the risks they take. "We are thankful to all our officers who put their lives on the line day-in and day-out to deliver safer neighborhoods for American families," the statement read.
This operation underscores the ongoing and contentious debate around immigration enforcement in the United States, particularly focusing on individuals who have committed serious crimes after entering the country illegally. The announcement positions such targeted actions as a cornerstone of the administration's public safety strategy.
