Despite ongoing unrest and attempts by far-left protesters to obstruct law enforcement operations, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement continues to remove violent criminal aliens from the streets of Portland, Ore.
On Tuesday, the Department of Homeland Security released details about several of the “worst of the worst” offenders taken into custody last month. The group includes convicted pedophiles, murderers, drug traffickers, and repeat sexual predators—individuals ICE officials say pose serious risks to public safety.
“Pedophiles, murderers, sexual predators, and drug traffickers — these are the heinous criminals Antifa domestic terrorists are trying to obstruct law enforcement from removing from our communities,” said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “We are not allowing domestic terrorists to slow us down from removing the worst of the worst.”
McLaughlin said the federal government has surged resources to Portland, including enhanced coordination between Customs and Border Protection, ICE, the FBI, the Department of Justice, and the Drug Enforcement Administration, to address both violent offenders and ongoing civil unrest.
Among those arrested were:
- Jose Aguilar-Zuniga, a Honduran national convicted of fentanyl trafficking and previously arrested for attempted murder, firearm offenses, and narcotics charges.
- Steven Carter Bell, a Canadian national convicted of two counts of first-degree sexual abuse and invasion of privacy.
- Gumercindo Remigio-Ortega, a Mexican national convicted of attempted unlawful sexual penetration and first-degree sexual abuse.
- Carlos Lopez-Maya, a Mexican national convicted of attempted homicide, assault, burglary, and weapon charges.
- Jairzinho Joseph Runciman Garcia, a Peruvian national convicted of luring a minor.
In total, ICE reported multiple arrests of previously deported felons with extensive criminal records, ranging from drug distribution to violent assault.
Officials say these arrests underscore the agency’s commitment to public safety despite growing challenges in cities like Portland, where protests and political hostility have complicated law enforcement efforts.
“Violent offenders don’t disappear because a city is in turmoil,” McLaughlin said. “Our agents continue to do their jobs — protecting communities and upholding the law.”
