This week, ICE enforcement operations across the country resulted in the arrests of five noncitizens with serious criminal allegations, from assassination plots to child molestation. In line with its mission to protect public safety, ICE targeted individuals wanted by foreign governments or convicted of internationally recognized crimes.
Below are the five most dangerous cases of the week:
Maria Julia Varela – Assassination plot leader, El Salvador
ICE Dallas apprehended Maria Julia Varela, a 36-year-old Salvadoran national with documented ties to MS-13 and Barrio 18 on June 30. Authorities say she is wanted in El Salvador for organizing an assassination attempt.
“This criminal alien… hoped to evade law enforcement,” said HSI Dallas Special Agent in Charge Travis Pickard. “HSI Dallas remains steadfast in ensuring that communities in North Texas are not a refuge for international fugitives.”
Olvin Mauricio Martinez Coto – Honduras’ Top 10 fugitive, Long Island
ICE agents picked up Olvin Coto, 36, in Westbury, Long Island, after he fled Honduras following convictions for aggravated femicide, attempted homicide, and forcible entry. Deported twice previously, Coto was living in the U.S. illegally a third time.
The United States is not a safe haven for international fugitives. https://t.co/D6DIOROdS0
— U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (@ICEgov) July 3, 2025
John Phillip Leano – Sex offender, Salt Lake City
ICE Salt Lake City arrested John Phillip Leano, a Filipino national convicted of attempted aggravated sexual abuse of a child.
ICE Salt Lake City arrested John Phillip Leano a criminal alien from the Philippines. He has a conviction for attempted aggravated sexual abuse of a child. pic.twitter.com/doEZRYRDUW
— ICE Salt Lake City (@EROSaltLakeCity) June 26, 2025
Rafael Ojeda-Acosta – Rape with a weapon, New Orleans
ICE New Orleans deported Rafael Ojeda-Acosta, a Cuban national whose record includes rape with a weapon, sexual assault (sodomy), burglary, escape from custody, and multiple property crimes.
🚨🛫RAPIST DEPORTED: ICE New Orleans deported Rafael Ojeda-Acosta of Cuba. His criminal history includes:
💥Rape with a Weapon
💥Sexual Assault – Sodomy – Woman – Strongarm
💥Escape from Custody
💥Burglary
💥Trespassing
💥Larceny📢AND STAY OUT!! 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/vuTElzujps
— ICE New Orleans (@ERONewOrleans) June 29, 2025
Ramon Jimenez-Moreno – Aggravated sexual battery, New Orleans
In a separate operation, ICE New Orleans, working with HSI, U.S. Marshals, and CBP, arrested Ramon Jimenez-Moreno, a Mexican national charged with failure to register as a sex offender and illegal reentry after a conviction for aggravated sexual battery.
🚨SEX OFFENDER ARRESTED: With @HSINewOrleans, @USMarshalsHQ, @CBP, we arrested Ramon Jimenez-Moreno, a citizen of Mexico. His criminal history includes aggravated sexual battery. He has been charged with failure to register as a sex offender and reentry of a removed alien. pic.twitter.com/Kt7uRXZZJZ
— ICE New Orleans (@ERONewOrleans) June 27, 2025
Together, these five arrests illustrate ICE’s targeted enforcement against noncitizens wanted internationally or convicted of violent offenses. From gang-linked murder plots to sex crimes against children, ICE continues to prioritize public safety through removal and cooperation with partner agencies.
