Jose Guadalupe Soto-Herrera/Mexico/Kidnapping and Vehicle Theft

On February 19th, 2025, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Honolulu arrested Jose Guadalupe Soto-Herrera, a Mexican national previously deported in 2002. Soto-Herrera has been arrested for illegal entry, petty theft, possession of a dangerous weapon, kidnapping, and vehicle theft.

Soto-Herrera has prior convictions for possession of narcotics, corporal injury to a spouse/cohabitant, battery, and DUI causing bodily injury.

Also on the 19th of February, ICE removed Francisco Lopez Melendez, a 32-year-old Mexican national and known member of the Surenos-13 gang, from the United States. Melendez had been deported six times previously and held multiple criminal convictions, including charges related to violence and drug trafficking.

Authorities identified him as a significant threat to public safety due to his repeated criminal behavior and gang affiliations. According to ICE, his removal is part of a broader effort to target gang members involved in serious criminal activities.

An ICE spokesperson stated, “This case underscores our commitment to protecting communities by enforcing immigration laws against known gang members and repeat offenders.”